2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid enters the fray as the efficiency champion, boasting an outstanding 35 combined MPG, while the newly redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano aims to tempt buyers with an $5,150 lower starting MSRP of $41,670. The Highlander’s hybrid powertrain delivers 243 hp, prioritizing consistent fuel economy over outright punch, utilizing a CVT for smooth delivery across its 194.9-inch frame. Conversely, the Murano, although slightly less efficient at 23 combined MPG, offers a more traditional driving feel with a 9-speed automatic transmission and generates a respectable 260 lb-ft of torque for spirited acceleration. Despite the Murano offering significantly more utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Highlander's meager 16 cu ft, the massive 12 MPG efficiency gulf means the Highlander demands a premium for its superior long-term running costs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid's exceptional 35 combined MPG makes it the undisputed winner for daily commuting savings.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Murano provides significantly more functional utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano's 260 lb-ft of torque and 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission suggest a more engaging dynamic experience than the Highlander's efficiency-tuned CVT.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Despite the $5,150 higher starting MSRP, the Highlander’s projected fuel savings over several years likely offsets the initial cost gap.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- You commute frequently and prioritize extreme fuel savings, leveraging its 35 MPG efficiency.
- You desire a smoother, more insulated powertrain experience provided by the continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
- You prefer the proven reliability and robust standard AWD system of the Toyota platform.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You require substantial cargo volume, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
- You want to save $5,150 upfront on the purchase price.
- You prefer the distinct feel and responsiveness of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 192.9" |
| Width | 76.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 68.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all 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) | 35/35 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 35 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 598.5/598.5 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 in. | 56.9 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 | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Nissan Murano.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Murano?
The Highlander Hybrid produces slightly more horsepower at 243 hp, but the 2026 Murano counters with higher torque at 260 lb-ft, which may translate to quicker initial acceleration from its 9-speed automatic transmission.
How much more cargo space does the Murano offer over the Highlander Hybrid?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is far superior for hauling gear, offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly double the 16 cubic feet provided by the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Is the price difference significant enough to worry about?
Yes, the Murano has a $5,150 lower MSRP, starting at $41,670 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $46,820, making the initial outlay much lower for the Nissan.
Which vehicle will cost less to run daily?
The Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner here due to its dominant fuel economy rating of 35 combined MPG versus the Murano's 23 combined MPG.
Do both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Nissan Murano are specified with All-Wheel Drive capability.
How does the transmission choice affect the driving feel?
The Highlander uses a CVT optimized for fuel economy, resulting in smoother, gearless acceleration, whereas the Murano's 9-speed shiftable automatic offers more defined shift points for a traditionally engaging driving feel.
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