2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the practical efficiency of the 2026 Honda CR-V and the robust performance of the 2026 Nissan Murano often comes down to budget versus power. Right away, the CR-V presents a compelling case with an MSRP of $30,920, saving buyers a significant $10,750 compared to the Murano's starting price of $41,670. This cost savings translates directly into lower running expenses, as the CR-V delivers a superior combined 30 MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG. However, if you need pep, the Murano pulls ahead substantially with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, easily overshadowing the CR-V's 190 hp. While the CR-V offers slightly more utility with 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft, these two crossovers appeal to distinctly different priorities.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Honda CR-V
The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its excellent 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower cost of entry.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V offers better overall practicality for families by providing 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity and substantially lower running costs.
2026 Nissan Murano
Enthusiasts will prefer the Murano for its significant performance advantage, boasting 241 horsepower versus the CR-V's 190 hp.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V represents better value, costing $10,750 less and providing 7 MPG better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Honda CR-V if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the CR-V's MSRP starts $10,750 lower than the Murano.
- Your daily driving heavily favors fuel economy, given the CR-V achieves 30 MPG combined.
- You need maximum packing space, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 32.9 cu ft.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You frequently drive where extra traction is necessary, as the Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You want much quicker acceleration, supported by the Murano's 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a traditional shiftable automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda CR-V | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.8" | 192.9" |
| Width | 73.5" | 78.0" |
| Height | 66.2" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 106.3" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 179 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
| Center Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/33 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.0/462.0 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | โ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | โ | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | โ | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | โ | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | โ | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.6 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | โ |
| Wheel Cover Type | โ | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R | P255/55R20 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | โ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Nissan Murano than the CR-V?
The Murano offers a noticeable power advantage, generating 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the CR-Vโs 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, giving the Murano 51 more horsepower.
Is the extra cost of the Murano worth the difference in gas mileage?
That depends on how much you drive; the Murano costs about $10,750 more initially and only achieves 23 MPG combined, while the CR-V nets 30 MPG combined, saving you more at the pump over time.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is the larger crossover, measuring 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide. The CR-V is more compact at 184.8 inches long and 73.5 inches wide, making it easier to maneuver.
Do both cars use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Nissan Murano specify regular unleaded fuel, which keeps routine fueling simple and affordable for both owners.
How does cargo space compare between the two crossovers?
The Honda CR-V leads in pure cargo volume, offering 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Nissan Murano provides 32.9 cubic feet in the same configuration.
What is the main transmission difference?
The CR-V utilizes a standard continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) designed for efficiency, whereas the Murano uses a more responsive 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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