2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$41,670 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Murano starting at $41,670, which is $3,600 less than the Highlander's $45,270 entry point. Despite the lower cost, the Murano delivers a competitive 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, falling slightly behind the Highlander’s output of 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is extremely tight, with the Highlander achieving a marginally better combined 24 MPG compared to the Murano’s 23 MPG, though both vehicles return 21 MPG in city driving. A critical disparity exists in utility, as the Murano offers 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than double the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. Both utilize All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but the Murano pairs its power with a 9-speed automatic, whereas the Highlander uses an 8-speed unit.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano offers a better cost-per-mile efficiency in the long run due to its lower initial MSRP, saving $3,600 upfront.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano provides substantially more usable storage with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander appeals more to enthusiasts with its superior output, generating 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 260 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Murano

The Murano presents superior utility-to-cost value by offering double the cargo space for $3,600 less than the Highlander.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Maximum cargo volume is essential, as the Murano provides 32.9 cu ft.
Budget adherence is a priority, given the $41,670 starting MSRP, which undercuts the competition by $3,600.
A smoother, potentially quieter highway experience is preferred due to its 9-speed automatic transmission versus the Highlander's 8-speed.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Higher sustained performance is required, evidenced by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
A slightly higher fuel economy rating of 24 combined MPG is desired over the Murano’s 23 MPG.
The driver prefers a slightly longer vehicle profile at 194.9 inches for potentially enhanced road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Murano	Toyota Highlander
Length	192.9"	194.9"
Width	78.0"	76.0"
Height	67.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	111.2"	112.2"

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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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 shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.7 gal.	17.9 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	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.2 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	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.9 in.	57.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
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.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	P235/65R V
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody 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 Highlander.

How much more cargo room does the Murano offer over the Highlander?

The 2026 Nissan Murano provides significantly more storage at 32.9 cubic feet. This is 16.9 cubic feet greater than the 2026 Toyota Highlander, which is rated for only 16 cubic feet.

Which vehicle has the superior performance specifications?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers better raw power figures, achieving 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Murano lags slightly behind with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers substantial?

Yes, there is a notable price difference; the Murano starts at $41,670, making it $3,600 cheaper than the Highlander's starting MSRP of $45,270.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare for AWD models?

The fuel efficiency is comparable across both AWD models, with the Highlander earning a 24 combined MPG rating versus the Murano's 23 combined MPG; highway ratings are nearly identical at 28 MPG (Highlander) and 27 MPG (Murano).

Do both crossovers use regular unleaded fuel?

Both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Highlander are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, meaning neither requires premium fuel for operation.

What is the difference in their overall exterior dimensions?

The Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Murano's 192.9 inches, but the Murano is notably wider at 78.0 inches versus the Highlander's 76.0 inches.