2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Stuck between choosing a comfortable daily driver and one that saves serious cash at the pump? That's the core dilemma facing shoppers considering the 2026 Nissan Murano versus the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The Murano starts competitively at $41,670 and offers a slightly quicker 260 lb-ft of torque, making it feel zippier off the line than you might expect from its 241 hp engine. However, the real conversation shifts to fuel economy: the Murano clocks in at only 23 MPG combined, using regular unleaded. In stark contrast, the Grand Highlander Hybrid commands a $3,040 higher starting price of $45,710 but obliterates the efficiency gap, achieving an outstanding 34 MPG combined (36 city/32 highway). While the Murano is slightly smaller at 192.9 inches long, the massive difference in yearly fuel spending swings the pendulum heavily toward the highly efficient Toyota for most drivers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid's 34 MPG combined easily beats the Murano's 23 MPG, leading to lower operational costs for daily drives.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is significantly taller at 72.1 inches and longer at 201.4 inches, offering superior overall passenger and cargo accommodation.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano offers slightly more responsive peak torque at 260 lb-ft and uses a 9-speed automatic, which some drivers prefer over the hybrid's CVT.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Despite a $3,040 higher initial cost, the substantial 11 MPG efficiency advantage on the Grand Highlander Hybrid provides better long-term value.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prefer the engagement of a traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You want the lowest possible upfront cost, as the Murano starts at $41,670.
- You value slightly more accessible maneuverability due to its shorter 192.9-inch length.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- Saving money on gas is a top priority, highlighted by its 34 MPG combined rating.
- You need maximum vertical space, as the Grand Highlander is 72.1 inches tall.
- You require generous interior room, evidenced by its 201.4-inch overall length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 201.4" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.9" | 72.1" |
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 36/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 619.2/550.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Nissan Murano and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
How much more does the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid cost upfront compared to the Murano?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid commands a $3,040 higher starting MSRP, listed at $44,710 versus the Nissan Murano's $41,670.
Which vehicle is significantly better for fuel efficiency on long road trips?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner here, achieving 34 MPG combined, compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined, translating to much less time spent at the pump.
Does the size difference impact daily drivability?
Yes, the Murano is notably smaller, measuring 192.9 inches long and 67.9 inches high, while the Grand Highlander is much larger at 201.4 inches long and 72.1 inches high, making the Nissan easier to navigate in tight city spots.
How do their power outputs compare for highway passing?
They are quite similar on paper; the Grand Highlander Hybrid technically produces slightly more horsepower at 245 hp versus the Murano's 241 hp, though the Murano offers more low-end pull with 260 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover offers more usable space for luggage or gear?
Despite its overall larger exterior, the Murano surprisingly offers more primary cargo space at 32.9 cubic feet, beating the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cubic feet behind the second row.
Are either of these crossovers exclusively AWD?
Both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in these configurations, providing capability in varied conditions.
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