2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$39,995 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent bursts onto the scene emphasizing robust capability with its 260 horsepower and substantial 277 lb-ft of torque, anchored by standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it the muscle of this pair. Conversely, the sleek 2026 Nissan Murano counters with superior refinement and practicality, featuring an eye-catching design and a class-leading cargo volume of 32.9 cubic feet compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet. While the Ascent provides a slightly more potent driving feel, the Murano nudges ahead slightly in efficiency, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG. The Ascent, starting at $39,995, offers more immediate power for less outlay than the Murano's $41,670 starting price. For those needing sheer space and modern looks, the Murano dominates, but Subaru's accessible torque ensures the Ascent remains ready for rugged adventure.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy rating of 23 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers substantially more utility for families, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent excites driving enthusiasts with superior power figures, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent presents better immediate value by offering 20 more horsepower for a lower starting MSRP of $39,995.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize outright engine performance, leveraging the Ascent's 260 horsepower.
You need the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive paired with maximum torque (277 lb-ft) for tough conditions.
You are seeking the lowest entry price point, starting at $39,995.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximum cargo hauling is essential, benefiting from the Murano's 32.9 cubic feet capacity.
You prefer a vehicle with a more modern transmission feel using the 9-speed shiftable automatic.
You desire slightly better efficiency, achieving 27 MPG on the highway compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Nissan Murano
Length	196.8"	192.9"
Width	76.0"	78.0"
Height	71.6"	67.9"
Wheelbase	113.8"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Subaru	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Nissan Murano.

How do the engines compare between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Murano?

The Subaru Ascent clearly leads in brute force, outputting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, perfect for acceleration demands. The Nissan Murano counters with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a more refined 9-speed automatic transmission.

Is the Murano or the Ascent better for large families needing space?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is significantly better equipped for cargo with 32.9 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. The 2025 Subaru Ascent trails substantially in this regard, offering only 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the same configuration.

Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Nissan Murano holds a minor advantage in economy, rating at 23 combined MPG (21 city/27 highway). The 2025 Subaru Ascent achieves 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway) across its AWD system.

Why choose the Ascent if it has a lower starting MSRP?

The Ascent starts lower at $39,995 and delivers superior power instantly, making it a better deal for buyers focused on performance metrics. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel.

How do the physical sizes differ between these two AWD crossovers?

The Subaru Ascent is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Murano is slightly shorter in length (192.9 inches) but notably lower to the ground at 67.9 inches in height.