2026 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Dodge Durango bursts onto the scene with raw muscle, boasting 295 hp and RWD bias, making it the clear choice for spirited driving, despite its slightly higher fuel consumption averaging 20 MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Murano offers a smoother, more pragmatic package, relying on its standard All-Wheel Drive and a commendable 23 MPG combined rating. While the Durango stretches to 200.8 inches in length, enhancing its commanding presence, the Murano counters with nearly double the cargo space at 32.9 cu ft versus the Durango's 17.2 cu ft. The Murano's lower MSRP of $41,670 is undercut by the Durango's $38,995 entry price, although the Murano compensates with 241 hp and an extra gear in its transmission. This comparison pits pure, rear-drive horsepower against efficiency and usable utility in the evolving crossover segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 23 MPG combined compared to the Durango's 20 MPG.
2026 Nissan Murano
Families benefit significantly from the Murano offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Durango is the enthusiast's pick, delivering a robust 295 hp and a rear-wheel-drive platform that promises a more engaging driving dynamic.
2026 Dodge Durango
The Durango offers more power for a lower starting price point, beginning at $38,995 compared to the Murano's $41,670.
Choose the Dodge Durango if...
- You prioritize outright engine output, as the Durango delivers a thrilling 295 horsepower.
- You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics of a Rear Wheel Drive platform.
- You are aiming for the lowest possible entry price for a modern crossover, starting at $38,995.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum utility is essential, leveraging the Murano's substantial 32.9 cubic feet of cargo room.
- All-weather confidence is key, as the Murano includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You desire better efficiency, as the Murano achieves 23 MPG combined versus the Durango's 20 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Durango | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 75.8" | 78.0" |
| Height | 72.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 119.8" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 295 hp @ 6400 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 442.8/615.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 24.6 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.0 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| 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 | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | 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 | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Dodge Durango and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Dodge Durango holds a distinct advantage with 295 horsepower compared to the Murano's 241 horsepower, giving the Durango a substantial 54 hp lead for quicker acceleration.
Which vehicle is better for hauling bulky items?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is overwhelmingly better for cargo, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of space, which is nearly double the Durango's 17.2 cubic feet.
Is the Durango's RWD system a disadvantage in poor weather compared to the Murano's AWD?
Generally, yes; the Murano's standard All-Wheel Drive offers inherent traction benefits in rain or snow over the Durango’s Rear Wheel Drive setup.
What is the fuel economy difference?
The Murano sips fuel slightly more efficiently at 23 MPG combined (21/27 MPG split), whereas the more powerful Durango returns 20 MPG combined (18/25 MPG).
Which crossover offers better overall initial purchase value?
Based strictly on MSRP, the 2026 Dodge Durango is cheaper to acquire at $38,995, making it the better value proposition for buyers focused on the upfront cost.
Does the transmission gearing affect highway cruising?
Yes, the Murano utilizes a slightly more modern 9-speed automatic transmission compared to the Durango's 8-speed, potentially aiding in smoother high-speed cruising and fuel retention.
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