2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Volvo XC40

$40,470 · Crossover

$39,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the freshly redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano and the compact 2026 Volvo XC40 often comes down to prioritizing space versus efficiency. If you need more muscle for highway merging, the Murano packs a solid punch with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, noticeably exceeding the XC40's 194 hp. However, the XC40 presents a compelling case for frugal daily driving, achieving a superior combined MPG of 27 versus the Murano’s 23 MPG. The Murano also offers significantly more utility, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet. While the Murano starts slightly higher at $40,470 against the Volvo’s $39,900 MSRP, understanding your primary use case—whether it's hauling gear or maximizing fuel economy across a 21/27 MPG vs 25/32 MPG split—is key to making the right choice here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Volvo XC40

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is the better commuter due to its better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the Murano's 23.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Murano

The 2025 Nissan Murano wins for families because its 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space significantly outweighs the XC40's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Murano

Enthusiasts will prefer the Murano for its superior power output, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Volvo XC40

The XC40 provides better efficiency and a lower starting MSRP of $39,900 for those prioritizing lower running costs.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You require substantial hauling room, evidenced by its 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
You frequently drive on highways and prefer higher horsepower for passing maneuvers (241 hp).
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel rather than premium, which the XC40 recommends.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Saving money at the pump is crucial, given its 27 combined MPG rating.
You are budget-conscious, as it has a lower starting MSRP of $39,900.
You need a smaller footprint for city parking, measuring 174.8 inches long versus the Murano's 192.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Volvo XC40
Length	192.9"	174.8"
Width	78.0"	76.3"
Height	67.9"	65.2"
Wheelbase	111.2"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
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	✓	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	194 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	221 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	Volvo
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	355.0/454.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
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	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	250W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	54.7 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	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	56.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Volvo
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.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited 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 Volvo XC40.

What is the real-world difference in city driving between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Volvo XC40 is slightly better equipped for stop-and-go traffic, rated at 25 city MPG, which beats the 2025 Nissan Murano's 21 city MPG. This 4 MPG difference will save you a noticeable amount at the pump over a year of commuting.

Is the Murano's extra size worth the penalty in fuel economy?

It depends on your needs; the Murano is 18.1 inches longer than the XC40 and offers 12.5 more cubic feet of cargo space (32.9 vs 20.4 cu ft). If you frequently transport large items or multiple passengers comfortably, that extra physical volume might justify the lower 23 combined MPG.

Do the power differences between the 241 hp Murano and 194 hp XC40 feel significant?

Yes, the 47 hp difference in power is noticeable, especially when merging or carrying a full load. The Murano’s 260 lb-ft of torque also gives it a clear edge in responsiveness over the XC40’s 221 lb-ft, which enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.

How does the required fuel type impact ownership costs?

The Nissan Murano uses regular unleaded, which is typically cheaper than premium fuel. Conversely, the Volvo XC40 recommends premium unleaded, potentially raising its running costs despite its better base MPG rating.

Which car has a more modern transmission setup?

Both utilize shiftable automatics, but the 2025 Murano features a newer 9-speed unit, whereas the 2026 XC40 uses an 8-speed transmission, suggesting the Murano might offer smoother high-speed cruising capability.

If I tow small items, does one have an advantage?

While towing capacities aren't provided, the Murano's significantly higher horsepower (241 hp) and torque (260 lb-ft) suggest it would manage lighter hauling tasks with greater ease than the less powerful XC40.