2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$40,470 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical variance between the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Murano starting at $40,470, undercutting the Highlander by $4,800. Performance metrics show the Highlander leads, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy is close, but the Highlander edges out a slight advantage with 24 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined; however, the Murano utilizes FWD while the Highlander includes standard AWD. Furthermore, dimensional differences are noted: the Highlander is 2.0 inches longer at 194.9 inches, but the Murano offers substantially more utility with 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet. The Murano's lower entry cost and superior cargo volume present a compelling case against the Highlander's marginally better power output and AWD configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano's $4,800 lower MSRP makes it the more financially sound daily driver option for budget-conscious commuters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

With 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Murano offers significantly more hauling space than the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft, which is critical for family needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Highlander provides superior performance metrics, generating 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Murano

The Murano achieves better utility per dollar by offering $4,800 less in initial cost while still delivering competitive 23 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You prioritize maximizing cargo capacity, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16.0 cu ft.
Keeping the initial purchase price below $41,000 is essential, given the Murano's $40,470 MSRP.
Your driving conditions primarily involve dry pavement where standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is sufficient.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Access to All Wheel Drive (AWD) for inclement weather or varied traction conditions is a mandatory feature.
You need the maximum available power, as the Highlander's 265 hp engine outperforms the Murano's 241 hp.
You require the highest torque figure, with the Highlander providing 310 lb-ft versus the Murano's 260 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Toyota Highlander
Length	192.9"	194.9"
Width	78.0"	76.0"
Height	67.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	17.9 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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.2 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	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	P235/65R V
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody 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 Highlander.

How does the base fuel economy compare between the 2025 Murano and 2026 Highlander?

The 2026 Highlander achieves a marginally better combined rating of 24 MPG, edging out the 2025 Murano's 23 MPG combined. On the highway, the Highlander gets 28 MPG compared to the Murano's 27 MPG.

What is the exact MSRP difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Nissan Murano has a base MSRP of $40,470, meaning it is $4,800 less expensive than the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $45,270.

Does the difference in drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD) justify the price gap?

The Murano comes standard with FWD, while the Highlander includes AWD. Buyers must weigh the $4,800 price premium for the Highlander's standard AWD system against their local weather needs.

Which vehicle offers significantly more cargo space for utility purposes?

The 2025 Nissan Murano is the clear leader in inherent utility, offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, which is nearly double the Highlander's 16.0 cubic feet.

How much more horsepower and torque does the 2026 Highlander produce?

The Highlander boasts 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is 24 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.