2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Murano launches with a fresh, bolder statement, boasting 241 hp from its naturally aspirated engine and a premium MSRP starting at $40,470. Contrast this with the efficient powerhouse, the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, which captivates buyers with a compelling $30,290 starting price and astounding fuel economy reaching 42 MPG combined. While the Murano offers slightly more muscle with 260 lb-ft of torque to the Sportage Hybrid's 271 lb-ft (despite less overall horsepower), its 23 MPG combined trails the Kia's efficiency by a massive 19 MPG difference. The Sportage Hybrid also maximizes utility with 39.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Murano’s 32.9 cu ft. The choice boils down to whether prioritizing style and traditional V6 feel (though performance specs suggest closer competition) or embracing dominant efficiency and substantial savings is more appealing.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 42 MPG combined fuel economy, drastically lowering running costs.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid provides superior utility with 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers slightly more peak horsepower at 241 hp paired with a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid undercuts the Nissan Murano's MSRP by a commanding $10,180.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prefer the driving dynamics associated with the slightly higher 241 hp output.
- You desire a marginally larger footprint with a length of 192.9 inches for presence.
- You appreciate having a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for perceived smoothness.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- Saving over $10,000 upfront is a primary purchasing factor ($30,290 MSRP).
- Achieving 44 MPG on the highway drastically outweighs horsepower figures.
- Maximum storage is required, evidenced by its 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Kia Sportage Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 73.4" |
| Height | 67.9" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 108.5" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 232 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 271 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 | 41/44 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 42 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 561.7/602.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 13.7 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 | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
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 Sportage Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Kia Sportage Hybrid than the Nissan Murano?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is substantially more efficient, achieving 42 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined. This represents a massive 19 MPG advantage for the hybrid crossover on a daily basis.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $30,290, while the 2025 Nissan Murano begins at $40,470. This results in an upfront cost savings of $10,180 if you select the Kia.
Which vehicle offers better utility for carrying luggage?
The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 39.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Nissan Murano trails significantly with only 32.9 cubic feet available.
Do both vehicles use the same fuel type?
Yes, both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding premium fuel costs for either option.
How close are the two crossovers in terms of horsepower and torque figures?
The Murano holds a slight edge in horsepower, delivering 241 hp against the Sportage Hybrid's 232 hp. However, the hybrid counters with higher torque, putting down 271 lb-ft compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft.
Which car is physically larger?
The 2025 Nissan Murano is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 192.9 inches in length and 78.0 inches in width. The Kia Sportage Hybrid is more compact at 184.4 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.
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