2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the larger 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano often comes down to prioritizing sheer size versus slightly newer technology and drivetrain flexibility. If maximum space is your main goal, the Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches long and offers a base MSRP of $40,860. However, the slightly shorter Murano, priced at $41,670, nudges ahead in cargo utility behind the second row, boasting 32.9 cu ft versus the Toyota's 20.6 cu ft—a significant difference for hauling gear. Performance-wise, the Grand Highlander delivers more punch with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Murano's 241 hp. Fuel economy is nearly a wash, with the Toyota hitting 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, just one tick above the Murano's 23 MPG combined.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 24 MPG and uses standard FWD which is usually preferred for efficiency in city commuting.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander’s superior length (201.4 inches) likely translates to better third-row comfort and overall passenger space for families.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander clearly wins on power output, delivering 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque against the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is $810 cheaper upfront while offering more horsepower and slightly better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You absolutely need the most substantial size, indicated by its 201.4-inch length.
- You value superior raw performance, benefiting from 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the lowest entry price, starting at $40,860 versus the Murano's $41,670.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum cargo space behind the assumed second row is crucial, as it offers 32.9 cu ft.
- You prefer the added security of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) over the Grand Highlander's FWD.
- You desire a slightly more modern transmission setup with the Murano’s 9-speed shiftable automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 192.9" |
| Width | 78.3" | 78.0" |
| Height | 70.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Nissan Murano.
Which vehicle is better for maximizing storage space?
The 2026 Nissan Murano takes a surprising lead in raw cargo capacity, offering 32.9 cubic feet, which is significantly more than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet.
How does the power difference between these crossovers affect daily driving?
The Grand Highlander is notably more potent with 265 horsepower versus the Murano's 241 horsepower, meaning the Toyota should feel quicker during highway merging and passing maneuvers.
Is the difference in MPG worth noting for commuters?
Not substantially; the Grand Highlander claims 24 MPG combined, while the Murano gets 23 MPG combined, which equates to negligible annual fuel cost differences.
Why would I choose the Murano if the Grand Highlander has more power and costs less?
You should opt for the Murano if standard All-Wheel Drive is essential for your climate or driving preference, as the base Grand Highlander reviewed here is FWD.
How much longer is the Grand Highlander than the Murano?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length, making it substantially longer than the 192.9-inch 2026 Nissan Murano, suggesting more room inside.
Are these vehicles expensive to fuel based on their required gasoline?
Both vehicles surprisingly use regular unleaded gasoline, meaning neither requires a premium fuel step-up at the pump, aiding their overall value proposition.
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