2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a fresh design like the 2025 Nissan Murano and a long-standing utility player like the 2026 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing efficiency versus capability. If your daily drive involves tight parking and better fuel stops are key, the Murano offers a slight edge, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG. The Murano's slightly smaller footprint (192.9 inches long) might also appeal to urban drivers. However, the Ascent pulls ahead when outright power and foul-weather security are needed, boasting 260 hp to the Murano's 241 hp, and it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Furthermore, the Ascent is significantly taller at 71.6 inches, hinting at better headroom or ground clearance. Yet, when looking at sheer carrying capacity, the Murano wins easily with 32.9 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 23 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is better for families needing capacity or challenging weather capability, offering standard AWD and a taller stance.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent appeals more to driving enthusiasts with 260 horsepower and higher torque output (277 lb-ft).
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers a lower entry price point at $40,470 compared to the Ascent's $40,795.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, as the Murano gets 23 MPG combined versus 22 MPG.
- You need significantly more usable storage space, with the Murano offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo area.
- You want to save slightly on the initial purchase price, starting at $40,470.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You frequently drive in snow or slick conditions, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer slightly more engine responsiveness, leveraging 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- You value the extra height and structural presence, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 196.8" |
| Width | 78.0" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.6 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.8 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 245/60R |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle is generally better on gas for daily driving?
The 2025 Nissan Murano holds a slight advantage here, netting 23 MPG combined from its 21/27 City/Highway ratings. The 2026 Subaru Ascent is just behind at 22 MPG combined (20/26 City/Highway).
Does the Subaru Ascent's AWD cost a lot in terms of power difference?
While the Ascent comes standard with AWD, it still produces more power than the Murano's FWD setup, boasting 260 horsepower versus the Murano's 241 horsepower.
Which crossover offers more usable space behind the rear seats?
The Murano is the clear winner for pure cargo hauling, offering 32.9 cubic feet. The Ascent provides substantially less at only 17.8 cubic feet.
If I'm focused on performance, which car should I look at?
For enthusiasts looking at these specs, the 2026 Subaru Ascent offers superior power metrics, generating 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft.
Are both vehicles similarly priced for entry-level models?
They are very close; the Murano starts at $40,470, while the Ascent has a slightly higher MSRP of $40,795.
How do the transmissions differ between the two crossovers?
The Murano utilizes a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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