2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$30,350 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the practical efficiency of the 2026 Ford Escape and the roomier, more powerful feel of the 2026 Nissan Murano often comes down to budget versus performance desires. The price gap is substantial, with the Escape starting at $30,350 compared to the Murano's $41,670 MSRP, representing an $11,320 initial savings for the Ford. Where the Escape truly shines is efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined, significantly better than the Murano's 23 MPG combined, which translates to real-world savings. However, the Murano offers superior output, boasting 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque versus the Escape's 180 hp and 199 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Murano is longer at 192.9 inches, versus the Escape's 180.1 inches, offering potentially more cabin comfort for its larger price tag, though the Escape leads in cargo space at 37.5 cu ft to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Escape

The 2026 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Escape

While the Murano is physically larger, the Escape offers more usable space with 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano is the clear choice for enthusiasts, packing 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, vastly outpacing the Escape's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape provides exceptional value by saving buyers $11,320 upfront and offering 7 more miles per gallon combined.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Your primary concern is keeping running costs low, thanks to its 30 MPG combined rating.
You prioritize cargo flexibility, as its 37.5 cubic feet is more generous than the Murano's capacity.
You want to save significantly on the initial purchase, starting $11,320 lower than the competitor.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You desire brisk acceleration and highway passing power from its 241 horsepower engine.
All-wheel drive capability is a necessity for your typical driving conditions.
You need the extra length (192.9 inches) and slightly wider stance (78.0 inches) for passengers.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Escape	Nissan Murano
Length	180.1"	192.9"
Width	74.1"	78.0"
Height	66.0"	67.9"
Wheelbase	106.7"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
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 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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 6000 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	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	Ford	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/503.2 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Steering Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	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	Ford	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	P255/55R20
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Nissan
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Nissan Murano.

Is the 2026 Nissan Murano significantly bigger than the 2026 Ford Escape?

Yes, the Murano is noticeably larger overall; it measures 192.9 inches long compared to the Escape's 180.1 inches. However, surprisingly, the Escape offers better cargo capacity at 37.5 cu ft versus the Murano’s 32.9 cu ft.

How much more will I spend on fuel annually with the Murano?

The Murano gets 23 MPG combined, while the Escape achieves 30 MPG combined, meaning you save about 7 MPG. Over a year, this 7 MPG difference translates to substantial savings, especially considering the Escape uses regular unleaded fuel.

Does the price difference reflect performance capabilities?

Absolutely; the $11,320 higher MSRP for the Murano corresponds to a major jump in performance metrics. The Murano produces 241 hp, which is 61 more horsepower than the Escape's 180 hp.

Which vehicle is better suited for driving in snowy or slippery conditions?

The 2026 Nissan Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the base 2026 Ford Escape is Front Wheel Drive (FWD). For drivers frequently facing poor weather, the Murano offers better inherent traction.

Are the transmissions and fuel types different between these two crossovers?

Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, offering accessibility. The Escape uses an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Murano steps up slightly with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.