2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) and the 2025 Nissan Murano (car1) lies in output, with car2 boasting 265 horsepower compared to car1's 241 hp, a substantial 24 hp advantage. This power translates to a higher torque figure for car2 at 310 lb-ft versus car1's 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy is comparable, with car2 achieving a 24 MPG combined rating against car1's 23 MPG combined, although car2 also offers slightly better highway mileage at 28 MPG versus 27 MPG. Dimensionally, car2 is significantly longer at 201.4 inches compared to car1's 192.9 inches, yet paradoxically, car1 offers substantially more cargo space at 32.9 cu ft versus car2's 20.6 cu ft. Furthermore, car1 holds a minor MSRP advantage, starting at $40,470 against car2's $41,360.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano (car1) is slightly more maneuverable and cheaper to purchase, making it a marginally better daily driver entry point.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Despite having less cargo volume in the standard configuration (20.6 cu ft vs 32.9 cu ft), the Grand Highlander's superior length (201.4 inches) suggests superior potential passenger capacity.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander (car2) delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft ratings.
2025 Nissan Murano
The Murano (car1) is priced $890 lower than the Grand Highlander (car2) while maintaining competitive 23 combined MPG.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Your primary concern is immediate cost savings, as the MSRP is $890 less than car2.
- You require maximized primary cargo capacity, boasting 32.9 cu ft versus car2's 20.6 cu ft.
- You prefer the smoother operation of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over car2's 8-speed automatic.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You prioritize engine performance, gaining 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the maximum exterior footprint, with car2 measuring 201.4 inches long compared to car1's 192.9 inches.
- Slightly improved fuel economy is desired, as car2 achieves 28 MPG highway versus car1's 27 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.9" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for long highway commutes?
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) offers a marginal edge on the highway, rated at 28 MPG compared to the 2025 Nissan Murano's (car1) 27 MPG. Both vehicles share an identical 23 MPG combined rating.
How significant is the size difference between the two crossovers?
The Grand Highlander (car2) is substantially longer, measuring 201.4 inches against the Murano's (car1) 192.9 inches, resulting in an overall larger exterior presence. However, the Murano utilizes its space better internally for storage.
Is the extra cost of the Grand Highlander justified by its performance metrics?
Car2 costs $890 more but returns 24 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than car1. Enthusiasts may find this performance bump justifies the higher MSRP.
What is the main difference in cargo capabilities?
The 2025 Nissan Murano (car1) excels in primary cargo space, offering 32.9 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) provides only 20.6 cubic feet in its equivalent configuration.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Nissan Murano (car1) and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander (car2) are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable.
Which car has a superior transmission setup?
Car1 uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering finer gear ratio control, whereas car2 utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
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