2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$40,320 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Highlander bursts onto the scene with a potent 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque from its turbo-four, promising spirited acceleration that eclipses the 2026 Nissan Murano’s 241 hp output. The Highlander excels in efficiency, delivering a commendable 25 MPG combined versus the Murano’s 23 MPG combined, while running on regular unleaded fuel. However, the Murano fights back with sheer utility; its impressive 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the Highlander's mere 16 cu ft, although the Highlander offers superior highway mileage at 29 MPG. Starting at $40,320, the Highlander undercuts the Murano’s $41,670 entry price. While the Highlander delivers superior immediate performance figures, the Murano's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and larger physical space offer a compelling, broader utility package for various conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG and slightly lower base MSRP of $40,320.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Murano offers significantly more utility for families, boasting a massive 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander provides the superior driving punch with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, giving it the edge in spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers better overall performance and fuel economy starting at a lower price point of $40,320.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prioritize brisk acceleration, as the Highlander's 265 horsepower is noticeably stronger than the Murano's 241 hp.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, given the Highlander achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
You want the lowest starting cost, as the Highlander is priced $1,350 less at $40,320.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

All-weather security is mandatory, as the Murano includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
You require massive storage, leveraging the Murano's cavernous 32.9 cu ft cargo area.
A smoother shifting experience is preferred, thanks to the Murano's 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	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	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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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 shiftable 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)	22/29 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in 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	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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
Front Head Room	41.2 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: 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	39.4 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
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 Highlander and 2026 Nissan Murano.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Highlander than the 2026 Murano?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander boasts a significant advantage with 265 horsepower, making it 24 hp more powerful than the 2026 Nissan Murano, which produces 241 hp.

Which crossover offers better utility for hauling cargo?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is the clear winner for space, offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly double the Highlander's 16 cubic feet.

Is the performance difference noticeable during highway driving?

While the Highlander has more raw power (310 lb-ft of torque), both vehicles achieve strong highway mileage, with the Highlander slightly leading at 29 MPG versus the Murano's 27 MPG.

Does the standard drivetrain affect fuel economy between these two models?

Yes, the Highlander is FWD standard and achieves 25 MPG combined, while the Murano includes standard AWD and drops slightly to 23 MPG combined.

Is there a substantial price difference between the base trims?

There is a slight MSRP premium for the Murano; the 2025 Highlander starts at $40,320, whereas the 2026 Murano begins at $41,670.

Are these vehicles compatible with standard fuel?

Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Nissan Murano are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs straightforward for owners.