2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$41,670 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary disparity between the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Subaru Ascent lies in their utility specifications, with the Murano offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's significantly smaller 17.8 cu ft. Performance metrics are closely aligned; the Ascent generates a higher 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque against the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Murano at a combined 23 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, both running on regular unleaded. Pricing shows the Ascent having a lower MSRP of $40,795 compared to the Murano's $41,670. Dimensions also differ, with the Ascent being considerably taller at 71.6 inches versus the Murano's 67.9 inches, suggesting a difference in cabin volume beyond just cargo space. Both vehicles employ all-wheel drive and shiftable automatic transmissions, though the Ascent uses a CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano achieves marginally better combined fuel economy at 23 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano provides substantially more utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers superior power output with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is priced lower at $40,795 while delivering 19 more horsepower than the Murano.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Cargo volume is a top priority, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft versus the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
A traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Maximizing highway range is desired, evidenced by its slightly higher 27 MPG highway rating.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum available power is sought, as the Ascent produces 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
A lower initial purchase price is important, given its $40,795 MSRP compared to the Murano's $41,670.
A taller stance is preferred, as the Ascent stands 71.6 inches high compared to the Murano's 67.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Subaru Ascent
Length	192.9"	196.8"
Width	78.0"	76.0"
Height	67.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	111.2"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5600 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	277 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Nissan	Subaru
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.7/504.9 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	19.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	245/60R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Nissan Murano and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

Which crossover has better utility for hauling gear?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is significantly better equipped for hauling with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2026 Subaru Ascent trails substantially, providing only 17.8 cu ft behind its rear seats.

How close are the performance figures between the two AWD crossovers?

The Ascent holds a measurable edge, posting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Murano follows closely with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, indicating a slight power deficit for the Nissan.

What is the price difference between the 2026 Murano and the 2026 Ascent?

The Subaru Ascent has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $40,795. The Nissan Murano commands a higher starting price of $41,670, making the Ascent approximately $875 less expensive based on the provided figures.

Are there any notable differences in transmission technology?

Yes, the vehicles utilize different automatic transmissions; the Murano uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic. Conversely, the Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

Which vehicle is more efficient for city driving?

The Murano offers a slight advantage in efficiency for city driving, achieving 21 MPG in the city cycle compared to the Ascent's 20 MPG rating, although both use regular unleaded fuel.

Which crossover has the larger overall exterior footprint?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is dimensionally larger in length and height, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches high. The Murano is slightly shorter at 192.9 inches long and notably lower at 67.9 inches high.