2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$40,595 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2025 Nissan Murano often boils down to prioritizing utility versus passenger comfort. If you need a bit more grunt for hauling or navigating varied terrain, the Ridgeline offers a healthier 280 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp, though both use regular unleaded fuel. Financially, the Ridgeline starts slightly lower at $40,595 compared to the Murano's $41,670. However, the Murano pulls ahead significantly in efficiency, delivering a combined 23 MPG compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG, translating to fewer stops at the pump. Size matters too; the Ridgeline is substantially longer at 210.2 inches, while the Murano provides vastly superior internal storage with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ridgeline’s mere 7.3 cu ft. This comparison pits usable truck bed space (if one existed) against superior enclosed passenger and luggage volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

Families will appreciate the Murano's vastly larger 32.9 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's minimal 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline appeals more to enthusiasts thanks to its higher 280 hp output and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline offers a slight initial cost advantage, starting at $40,595 versus the Murano's $41,670 MSRP.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the extra 39 horsepower advantage provided by the 280 hp engine.
Your budget is tighter, as the Ridgeline has a lower starting MSRP of $40,595.
You prefer the slightly higher highway fuel efficiency rating of 24 MPG in the Ridgeline.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximizing enclosed cargo space is critical, as the Murano boasts 32.9 cu ft.
You want better overall fuel economy with 23 combined MPG compared to the Ridgeline’s 21 MPG.
You prefer a slightly shorter vehicle overall, with the Murano measuring 192.9 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Nissan Murano
Length	210.2"	192.9"
Width	78.6"	78.0"
Height	70.8"	67.9"
Wheelbase	125.2"	111.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-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	Honda	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Nissan Murano.

Which crossover is more powerful for passing maneuvers?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a notable edge in power, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Murano produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, making the Ridgeline the punchier choice.

How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency between these two AWD crossovers?

The Nissan Murano wins on fuel economy, achieving 23 combined MPG (21 city/27 highway). The Honda Ridgeline trails slightly with 21 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway).

If I frequently transport gear, which one offers better storage?

The Nissan Murano is the clear winner for enclosed storage capacity, offering 32.9 cubic feet. The Honda Ridgeline's listed cargo capacity is only 7.3 cubic feet, which indicates its cargo area is external (like a small truck bed).

Are there large differences in size that might affect parking?

Yes, the Ridgeline is significantly longer; it measures 210.2 inches from bumper to bumper, while the Murano is more compact at 192.9 inches, potentially making parallel parking the Murano easier.

Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?

Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for either powertrain; both the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Nissan Murano are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

How close are the starting prices for the AWD versions?

The pricing is very close, with the Honda Ridgeline starting at $40,595 and the Nissan Murano starting at $41,670, resulting in a small $1,075 difference favoring the Ridgeline initially.