2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (Car1) and the 2026 Nissan Murano (Car2) lies in fuel efficiency, presenting a significant 15 MPG gap in combined usage. Car1 delivers a segment-leading 38 combined MPG along with a 42-mile all-electric range, whereas Car2 achieves a combined 23 MPG. Power output is also substantially different; the RAV4 PHEV boasts 302 hp, eclipsing the Murano's 241 hp output. However, Car2 undercuts Car1 on initial outlay by $3,145, starting at $41,670 compared to Car1's $44,815 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Murano is longer at 192.9 inches versus the RAV4's 180.9 inches, though cargo space is nearly identical at 32.9 cu ft (Car2) versus 33.5 cu ft (Car1). These figures clearly position Car1 as the efficiency and performance leader, while Car2 emphasizes lower acquisition cost and traditional gasoline utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The 42-mile electric range and superior 40 MPG city rating make the RAV4 PHEV significantly cheaper for daily driving.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano is nearly 12 inches longer, providing a slightly more spacious overall cabin environment for passengers.
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The RAV4 PHEV offers 61 more horsepower, yielding a performance advantage with 302 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano saves $3,145 in upfront cost, offsetting its lower fuel economy for buyers prioritizing immediate savings.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...
- Maximum fuel economy is critical, evidenced by the 38 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize peak acceleration, benefitting from the 302 hp engine output.
- Your typical daily commute falls within the 42-mile all-electric driving envelope.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- A lower initial purchase price is necessary, with a $41,670 MSRP.
- You prefer the smoother engagement of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You require the larger exterior dimensions, as the Murano is 192.9 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 192.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 67.0" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 302 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) | 40/36 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 580.0/522.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 94 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 42 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 36 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 4.5 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE J1772 | — |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
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 | 39.5 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
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 | 10 yr./ 150000 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 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How do the drivetrains fundamentally differ between the two crossovers?
Car1 is a Plug-In Hybrid utilizing a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission to maximize efficiency and electric mileage. Car2 is a conventional gasoline vehicle featuring a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission coupled with 260 lb-ft of torque.
Is the 2025 RAV4 PHEV worth the $3,145 price premium over the 2026 Murano?
The premium is justified if fuel savings are prioritized, as the RAV4 offers 15 MPG more combined efficiency and the potential to run purely on electricity for 42 miles daily.
Which vehicle offers better utility space?
The utility is closely matched, with the RAV4 PHEV offering 33.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft; the difference is negligible for most hauling needs.
What are the main powertrain performance gaps?
The RAV4 PHEV generates 302 hp, substantially more than the Murano’s 241 hp, suggesting quicker acceleration, despite both vehicles using all-wheel drive.
Does the larger size of the Murano translate to better fuel economy?
No, despite being nearly 12 inches longer (192.9 in vs 180.9 in), the Murano's conventional gasoline engine results in a much lower 23 combined MPG rating than the RAV4 PHEV's 38 combined MPG.
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