2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Murano bursts onto the scene with a robust 241 horsepower, offering spirited acceleration for those prioritizing quick getaways, but it carries a steeper initial cost of $40,470. Conversely, the eagerly anticipated 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan leads with undeniable efficiency, sipping fuel to achieve an excellent 29 MPG combined, undercutting the Murano's 23 MPG. While the Tiguan is the more economical choice starting at just $30,805, it delivers less raw output with 201 horsepower. The Murano is substantially larger at 192.9 inches long compared to the Tiguan’s 184.4 inches, impacting maneuverability. However, the Tiguan offers a slight edge in utility, boasting 33.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Murano's 32.9 cu ft, proving efficiency and practicality can coexist against brute force.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined MPG rating of 29 compared to the Murano's 23.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan provides slightly more cargo capacity at 33.8 cu ft and costs $9,665 less than the Murano.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers significantly more power, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque for a more engaging drive.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
With a starting MSRP nearly $10,000 lower ($30,805 vs $40,470) and better fuel economy, the Tiguan presents far greater overall value.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You demand more responsive power, enjoying the 241 horsepower the Murano delivers.
- You prefer the confident, planted feel of a larger vehicle, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
- You are willing to pay the $40,470 MSRP for a more powerful powertrain and ride quality.
Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Tiguan achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Murano's 27 MPG.
- Budget consciousness is key, given the Tiguan's $30,805 starting price against the Murano's higher cost.
- You need slightly more space, as the Tiguan offers 33.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 184.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 109.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 201 hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 1500 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 26/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 377.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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 | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 54.4 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 215/65R H |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
How much better is the fuel economy between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan holds a significant advantage with 29 MPG combined, while the 2025 Nissan Murano achieves only 23 MPG combined. This 6 MPG difference translates to fewer stops at the pump for Tiguan owners.
Is the power difference noticeable between the 2025 Murano and the 2026 Tiguan?
Yes, the Murano has 241 horsepower, which is 40 hp more than the Tiguan's 201 horsepower. This output gap, combined with the Murano's 260 lb-ft of torque versus 207 lb-ft, should make the Murano feel quicker when merging or passing.
Which vehicle is larger overall for passenger and cargo needs?
The Nissan Murano is physically longer at 192.9 inches compared to the Tiguan’s 184.4 inches. However, surprisingly, the smaller Tiguan offers slightly more ultimate cargo room with 33.8 cu ft versus the Murano’s 32.9 cu ft.
What is the main financial consideration when comparing the MSRPs?
The price difference is substantial: the 2026 Tiguan starts at $30,805, whereas the 2025 Murano commands an MSRP of $40,470. That’s a $9,665 premium for choosing the Murano.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires the higher cost of premium gasoline for operation.
How do the transmissions compare in these FWD crossovers?
The Murano utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering an extra gear ratio compared to the Tiguan’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool