2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Nissan Murano brings a sleek, driver-focused sensibility to the crossover segment, boasting 241 hp and a dynamic AWD system paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander immediately draws attention with its substantial footprint and superior power figures, putting down 265 hp and a commanding 310 lb-ft of torque. While the Murano is slightly smaller at 192.9 inches long, favoring maneuverability, the Grand Highlander stretches to 201.4 inches, offering a noticeably more commanding presence. Fuel economy is tight, with the Grand Highlander gaining a slight edge at 24 MPG combined versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined. The Murano, priced at $41,670, emphasizes AWD capability, whereas the $41,360 Grand Highlander leans into sheer output, making the choice depend heavily on prioritizing powertrain refinement versus raw hauling capacity.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano's slightly more compact dimensions (192.9 inches long) and standard AWD offer better urban agility compared to the larger Grand Highlander.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander's substantially larger physical size (70.1 inches high) suggests superior overall cabin space and passenger comfort, despite its lower stated cargo capacity of 20.6 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander clearly wins on sheer output, producing 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is notably higher than the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander is priced $310 lower ($41,360 vs $41,670) while delivering higher horsepower and torque figures.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize the engagement of an all-wheel-drive system for varied road conditions.
- You prefer a vehicle with a more standard 241 hp, paired with a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Your daily driving involves tight city parking, benefiting from the Murano's shorter 192.9-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need the reassurance of greater torque output, specifically 310 lb-ft for easier passing maneuvers.
- You need the largest possible presence, as evidenced by its 70.1-inch height and 201.4-inch overall length.
- You are seeking the marginally better fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG highway versus Car 1's 27 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.9" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 116.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 255/65R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Nissan Murano and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a measurable advantage, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Nissan Murano counters with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Toyota feels stronger, particularly at lower speeds due to its torque lead.
Which vehicle is better suited for long highway drives based on efficiency?
Both offer similar efficiency, but the Grand Highlander edges out the Murano slightly, posting 28 MPG highway versus the Murano’s 27 MPG highway. Both require regular unleaded fuel.
How do the transmissions differ in terms of mechanical feel?
The Murano utilizes a modern 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, promising potentially smoother ratio changes. The Grand Highlander uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
Despite having AWD, why does the Murano have lower combined MPG?
Even with its standard all-wheel drive, the Murano's combined MPG is 23, slightly trailing the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG combined, likely due to drivetrain setup or weighting factors.
What is the major penalty for choosing the more powerful Grand Highlander?
The main penalty is size; the Grand Highlander is substantially longer at 201.4 inches compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches, which could affect garage fitment and tight turns.
Is there a significant difference in their starting price points?
No, the difference is minimal; the Grand Highlander starts at $41,360, making it $310 less expensive than the Murano's $41,670 MSRP, yet it offers greater power.
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