2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Murano starting at $41,670—a $6,675 premium over the Outback's $34,995 base price. This price gap reflects substantial performance discrepancies; the Murano delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft. Conversely, the Outback maintains a notable efficiency advantage, achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, offering superior fuel economy during daily driving. While both vehicles feature standard all-wheel drive, the Murano is physically wider at 78.0 inches compared to the Outback's 74.0 inches. Despite being marginally shorter at 191.7 inches, the Outback offers slightly more usable space with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback is superior for commuting due to its higher 27 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback wins slightly on utility by offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Murano's 32.9 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano offers substantially higher output with 241 horsepower versus the Outback's 180 horsepower.
2026 Subaru Outback
The 2026 Subaru Outback provides better overall value, starting $6,675 cheaper while maintaining competitive utility and better fuel economy.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Your priority is higher engine output, evident by the Murano's 260 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the operational feel of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You require the marginally larger physical width of 78.0 inches for on-road presence.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, demonstrated by the Outback's 31 MPG highway rating.
- Maintaining a lower initial purchase price under $35,000 is essential.
- You prioritize maximum cargo volume, where the Outback provides 34.6 cu ft versus 32.9 cu ft in the Murano.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 191.7" |
| Width | 78.0" | 74.0" |
| Height | 67.9" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 108.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 18.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.1 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.5 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 | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside 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 Outback.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2026 Murano and the 2026 Outback?
The 2026 Murano is significantly more powerful, producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Outback generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Murano has 61 more horsepower.
How does the fuel economy compare between these two all-wheel drive crossovers?
The Subaru Outback is notably more fuel-efficient, achieving 27 MPG combined (25 city/31 highway). The Nissan Murano rates lower at 23 MPG combined (21 city/27 highway).
Is there a significant difference in the starting price for these models?
Yes, there is a $6,675 price difference, with the 2026 Nissan Murano starting at $41,670, whereas the 2026 Subaru Outback starts at a lower $34,995.
Which vehicle offers more interior cargo space?
The 2026 Subaru Outback holds a slight advantage in cargo capacity, offering 34.6 cubic feet compared to the 32.9 cubic feet found in the 2026 Nissan Murano.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Subaru Outback use regular unleaded fuel, which simplifies running costs.
What transmission types are featured in the standard models?
The 2026 Murano comes equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Outback utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool