2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Stuck between the rugged capability of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the refined efficiency of the 2026 Nissan Murano? This is a classic choice: body-on-frame durability versus modern crossover comfort. The 4Runner leans into power, offering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, though it pays for this with a slightly lower combined MPG of 22, utilizing regular unleaded. The Murano counters with better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined, thanks to its slightly less powerful 241 hp engine and an additional gear in its 9-speed automatic transmission. While the 4Runner is taller at 72.6 inches, suggesting better ground clearance, the Murano is more compact overall. For sheer utility, the 4Runner boasts a significant cargo advantage, offering 48.4 cu ft compared to the Muranoβs 32.9 cu ft, making the choice dependent on whether you prioritize sheer muscle or commuter mileage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano wins for commuting due to its marginally better 23 MPG combined rating and smoother 9-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner is the better family hauler because it provides substantially more accessible storage space at 48.4 cu ft versus 32.9 cu ft.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Enthusiasts will prefer the 4Runner due to its superior power output, generating 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Despite a similar starting price, the 4Runner offers greater utility and substantially more power for the money spent.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You need the raw pulling power derived from its 317 lb-ft of torque.
- You frequently haul large gear, benefiting from its 48.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer a traditionally robust body style, reflected in its 72.6-inch height.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Your daily drive demands better efficiency, netting 27 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the stability and grip provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want a slightly smaller footprint overall, measuring 192.9 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota 4Runner | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 192.9" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 72.6" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Fog Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Brake Preparation System | β | β |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | β | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | 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) | 380.0/494.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Overhead Console with Storage | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Single Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Wireless Charging Pad | β | β |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | β | β |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | β |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | β |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | β | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | β | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | β | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.8 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.1 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Reclining Rear Seats | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | P255/55R20 |
| Wheel Cover Type | β | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | β |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner than the 2026 Nissan Murano?
The 4Runner definitely has the muscle advantage, producing 278 horsepower compared to the Murano's 241 horsepowerβa difference of 37 hp. This translates to 317 lb-ft of torque for the Toyota versus 260 lb-ft for the Nissan.
Which vehicle is better for fuel economy on my daily commute?
The 2026 Nissan Murano edges out the 4Runner slightly for fuel efficiency, achieving 23 MPG combined versus the 4Runner's 22 MPG combined. The Murano also benefits from a slightly better highway rating of 27 MPG.
Is the price difference significant between these two SUVs?
No, the starting MSRPs are nearly identical, with the 4Runner starting at $41,270 and the Murano at $41,670. The difference is less than $400, meaning the deciding factor isn't initial cost.
Which car offers more space for gear and luggage?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering a generous 48.4 cubic feet. The 2026 Nissan Murano trails significantly with only 32.9 cubic feet available.
Why does the 4Runner have standard RWD while the Murano uses AWD?
The 4Runner is engineered traditionally with rear-wheel drive for potentially higher towing/heavy-duty applications, while the Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which often aids stability in slippery conditions for everyday driving.
Do these vehicles require different types of gasoline?
Fortunately, no; both the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2026 Nissan Murano specify regular unleaded fuel, helping keep running costs consistent despite their mechanical differences.
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