2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Ford Explorer and the 2026 Nissan Murano is their power output, where the Explorer boasts 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft by a substantial 59 hp margin. Pricewise, the Explorer starts at a more competitive $38,330, undercutting the Murano's $41,670 MSRP by $3,340. While both are rated for 24 MPG combined (Explorer) versus 23 MPG combined (Murano), the Explorer prioritizes performance and size, measuring 198.8 inches long compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches. Conversely, the Murano offers superior utility, nearly doubling the cargo space with 32.9 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft in the listed configurations. The Explorer utilizes a standard RWD platform with a 10-speed automatic, contrasting with the Murano's standard AWD and 9-speed automatic transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers superior year-round traction, despite its slightly lower 20/29 MPG city/highway rating compared to the Explorer's RWD setup.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano provides substantially more usable space, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the 16.3 cu ft capacity listed for the Explorer.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer delivers considerably higher output with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Murano's 241 hp.
2026 Ford Explorer
The Explorer commands a $3,340 lower starting MSRP ($38,330) while providing a 59 hp performance advantage.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum engine performance, as the Explorer produces 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Your budget requires a lower entry price, with an MSRP of $38,330.
- You prefer the inherent stability and handling characteristics of a standard Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) platform.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Maximum available cargo space is critical, with the Murano offering 32.9 cu ft.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is a necessity for driving conditions.
- You seek a slightly better fuel economy split in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 21 MPG City.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 78.0" |
| Height | 69.9" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 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 (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| 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 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 | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear 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) | 20/29 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Infotainment Display | — | 12.3 in |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 6-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 | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| 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. |
| 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 Explorer and 2026 Nissan Murano.
What is the core mechanical difference between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Ford Explorer uses a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with a Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration producing 300 hp. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Murano features a 9-speed shiftable automatic paired with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and generates 241 hp.
How do the 2026 Explorer and Murano compare on size and utility?
The Explorer is physically longer at 198.8 inches compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches. However, the Murano significantly surpasses the Explorer in stated cargo volume, providing 32.9 cu ft versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers better initial cost savings?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the superior value proposition based on MSRP, starting at $38,330. This is $3,340 less expensive than the 2026 Nissan Murano, which is listed at $41,670.
How close are the fuel economy figures for highway driving?
The highway fuel economy is quite close, with the Explorer achieving 29 MPG and the Murano achieving 27 MPG on regular unleaded fuel. This results in a 2 MPG advantage for the Ford model on the highway cycle.
Does the performance difference matter for daily driving?
The Explorer offers a 59 hp advantage and 50 lb-ft more torque, which translates to significantly faster acceleration capabilities. The Murano, while less powerful, still achieves 23 combined MPG, making the trade-off performance versus economy.
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