2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the redesigned 2026 Nissan Murano and the established 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often comes down to upfront cost versus long-term running expenses. The Murano hits the road with a significantly lower starting MSRP of $41,670, providing 241 hp from its 9-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid starts at a higher $47,020 but offsets this with superior fuel economy, achieving an impressive 35 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined. While both offer all-wheel drive, the Highlander is slightly longer at 194.9 inches, but the Murano offers nearly double the cargo space, boasting 32.9 cu ft versus the Hybrid's 16 cu ft. This comparison highlights a direct trade-off between initial savings and daily fuel efficiency for buyers facing this common crossover dilemma.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its outstanding 35 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano is better for families needing maximum hauling space, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid technically wins on output with 243 hp, edging out the Murano's 241 hp, despite both using AWD.
2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano provides superior upfront value, saving buyers $5,350 on the initial purchase price over the Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo room, as the Murano delivers a substantial 32.9 cu ft.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, given its $41,670 MSRP.
- You prefer the shifting feel of a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Saving money on fuel is paramount, thanks to its class-leading 35 MPG combined rating.
- You are comfortable with the higher $47,020 price tag in exchange for better long-term running costs.
- You need a slightly longer vehicle body for subtle cabin advantages, measuring 194.9 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 243 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.1 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| 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 Highlander Hybrid.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Highlander Hybrid than the Murano?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is significantly more efficient, achieving 35 MPG combined. The 2026 Nissan Murano manages only 23 MPG combined, creating a substantial 12 MPG difference in daily driving.
Which vehicle offers more space for hauling gear?
The Nissan Murano is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 32.9 cubic feet behind the second row. The Highlander Hybrid provides only 16 cubic feet in comparison, meaning the Murano holds nearly double the luggage.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid carries a $47,020 MSRP, which is $5,350 more expensive than the 2026 Nissan Murano starting at $41,670.
Do both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are listed with All-Wheel Drive drive type for enhanced traction.
Are their horsepower figures similar?
They are very close; the Murano produces 241 hp, while the Highlander Hybrid generates 243 hp, so performance in a straight line should feel comparable.
What type of transmission does each vehicle use?
The Murano uses a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Highlander Hybrid utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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