2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

$40,470 · Crossover

$38,890 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The comparison between the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid reveals divergent priorities, immediately highlighted by the substantial 14 MPG difference in combined fuel economy (37 MPG for the Sorento Hybrid vs. 23 MPG for the Murano). Power figures are closely matched, with the Murano offering a slight edge in output at 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sorento Hybrid's 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Price proximity is another factor, as the Murano starts at $40,470 while the Sorento Hybrid undercuts it at $38,890. Dimensionally, the Murano is larger, measuring 192.9 inches long versus the Sorento Hybrid's 189.6 inches. However, cargo utility is a major disparity; the Murano provides 32.9 cubic feet of space, significantly exceeding the Sorento Hybrid’s 12.6 cubic feet, making the Murano superior for hauling gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid wins due to its superior combined fuel economy of 37 MPG, drastically reducing annual fuel expenditure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano is preferred for families needing substantial storage, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento Hybrid's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano delivers marginally higher performance with 241 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the hybrid's 227 hp and 6-speed unit.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid

The Sorento Hybrid offers better long-term value through significantly lower operating costs, despite a slightly lower initial MSRP of $38,890.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximum cargo capacity is essential, as the Murano provides 32.9 cu ft.
A preference exists for a vehicle with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
A larger overall physical footprint (192.9 inches in length) is desired for road presence.

Choose the Kia Sorento Hybrid if...

Fuel efficiency is the primary concern, highlighted by its 37 MPG combined rating.
A lower initial purchase price of $38,890 is prioritized over the Murano's $40,470 MSRP.
The driver prefers the fuel savings afforded by hybrid technology over raw power.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Kia Sorento Hybrid
Length	192.9"	189.6"
Width	78.0"	74.8"
Height	67.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	111.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	227 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	258 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	37/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	37 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	654.9/637.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R19
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid.

What is the measurable difference in fuel costs between these two crossovers?

The Sorento Hybrid achieves 37 MPG combined, translating to 14 MPG better fuel economy than the Murano's 23 MPG combined. Over 15,000 miles driven annually, the Sorento Hybrid will consume approximately 405 gallons less fuel per year than the Murano.

Which vehicle is better suited for moving large items based on the provided specifications?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is significantly better for cargo, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of space. This is more than double the 12.6 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid.

How does the power output compare between the two models?

The Murano provides slightly more mechanical power with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento Hybrid trails with 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, relying on its hybrid system for efficiency rather than peak output.

Is the higher MSRP of the Murano justified by performance or size?

The Murano’s MSRP of $40,470 reflects its larger size (192.9 inches long vs. 189.6 inches) and greater cargo volume. However, the Sorento Hybrid offers nearly the same performance for $1,580 less upfront.

Do these vehicles require different fuel types?

No, both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling choices.

How do the transmissions differ?

The Murano utilizes a more complex 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, likely aiding in its overall drive smoothness and efficiency integration, whereas the Sorento Hybrid uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic.