2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $5,475 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Outback starting at $34,995 versus the Murano’s $40,470. This price disparity reflects performance trade-offs: the Murano delivers a substantial 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another critical differentiator, with the Outback achieving 27 MPG combined, 4 MPG more efficient than the Murano’s 23 MPG combined. Cargo space is tight, with the Outback offering slightly more utility at 34.6 cu ft compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft. While the Murano utilizes a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission, the Outback employs a CVT, and their differing standard drive types (FWD for Murano, AWD for Outback) heavily influence buyer preference based on environmental needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG compared to the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers slightly more usable space with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano is the clear performance choice, generating 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque against the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback presents better fundamental value by saving buyers $5,475 in initial MSRP while including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize peak engine output, opting for the 241 horsepower available in the Murano.
- You prefer the traditional feel and defined shifts of a 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need the slightly larger exterior footprint of the Murano, measuring 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, capitalizing on the Outback's 31 MPG highway rating.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied road conditions, whereas the Murano is FWD standard.
- Your budget requires a lower entry point, benefitting from the $34,995 MSRP, a $5,475 saving over the Murano.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 191.7" |
| Width | 78.0" | 74.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 108.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 18.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.1 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.5 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside 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 Outback.
What is the powertrain performance difference between the Murano and the Outback?
The 2025 Nissan Murano is significantly more powerful, producing 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2026 Subaru Outback delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Subaru Outback?
The Outback is considerably more efficient, achieving a combined 27 MPG compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined rating.
Does the base trim of either vehicle include All-Wheel Drive?
No; the 2025 Nissan Murano comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, while the 2026 Subaru Outback includes All-Wheel Drive as its standard drive type.
What is the difference in initial cost between these two crossovers?
There is a $5,475 difference in the stated MSRPs, with the Outback starting at $34,995 and the Murano at $40,470.
Which vehicle offers more space for cargo?
The 2026 Subaru Outback offers marginally more cargo space, featuring 34.6 cu ft, compared to the 2025 Nissan Murano’s 32.9 cu ft.
Are the transmission types comparable?
No, the Murano utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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