Crossover Nissan Murano For many years now it has remained one of the most recognizable representatives of the mid-size segment thanks to its futuristic design, comfortable suspension and spacious interior. However, the market does not stand still: manufacturers annually update their models, offering customers new technologies, hybrid power units and improved safety systems. If you are considering Murano As a potential purchase, it's important to understand what alternatives competitors offer—and what their key differences are.

In this article we have made a detailed comparison Nissan Murano with seven main competitors: from the time-tested Toyota Highlander to stylish Kia Sorento. We analyzed not only technical characteristics and prices, but also such nuances as reliability in Russian conditions, cost of service, as well as real reviews from owners. Particular attention was paid to issues that are often left behind the scenes in standard reviews: for example, how this or that crossover will behave on bad roads or during long trips with a full load.

Spoiler: Murano stands out among competitors in terms of price and comfort level, but loses in dynamics and efficiency to some hybrid models. And now - to the details!

1. Toyota Highlander: reliability vs design

Toyota Highlander - main competitor Murano in the mid-size crossover segment, and for good reason: the Japanese brand is famous for its legendary reliability, and the model offers both gasoline and hybrid versions. In 2026 Highlander received an updated front design, improved sound insulation and an expanded list of safety systems Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Compared to Murano, then Highlander wins in the following aspects:

  • 🔋 Hybrid version with fuel consumption ~6 l/100 km (versus 9–11 l for Murano)
  • 🛡️ Higher liquidity in the secondary market (demand for Toyota is consistently higher)
  • 🧩 Possibility of ordering from 7 places (Murano is strictly a 5-seater)

However, Murano has its trump cards: a more stylish interior with premium materials, better handling on the highway and softer suspension, which better absorbs the unevenness of Russian roads. Besides, Highlander in top trim levels it costs 15–20% more.

📊 Which factor is more important for you when choosing a crossover?
  • Reliability
  • Design
  • Economical
  • Comfort
  • Price

2. Hyundai Santa Fe: Korean alternative with a 7-year warranty

Hyundai Santa Fe 2026 - one of the most balanced competitors Murano, especially considering 7 year warranty (subject to service from an authorized dealer). The Korean crossover offers a modern design, a spacious interior and a wide choice of engines, including 2.5T GDI (281 hp) and a hybrid version.

Benefits Santa Fe before Murano:

  • 🔧 More affordable cost of service (spare parts are 20–30% cheaper)
  • 📱 Modern multimedia system with two 12.3-inch screens
  • 🚗Option HTRAC (all-wheel drive with cross-axle differential lock)

But there are also disadvantages: the salon Santa Fe inferior Murano in terms of noise insulation, and the suspension is stiffer - this is noticeable over long distances. Besides, Hyundai aftermarket in Russia is less developed than Nissan or Toyota, which may complicate sales in 3-5 years.

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During a test drive Hyundai Santa Fe be sure to check the system operation HTRAC on slippery surfaces - in some cases it operates with a delay.

3. Kia Sorento: the same Santa Fe, but with a different character

Kia Sorento And Hyundai Santa Fe built on the same platform, but have different suspension settings and designs. Sorento is positioned as a sportier and more dynamic crossover, while Murano focuses on comfort. In 2026 Sorento got an updated one 2.5-liter turbo engine (290 hp) and an improved all-wheel drive system.

Main differences from Murano:

  • 🏁 Stiffer suspension (better for active driving, but less comfortable on bad roads)
  • 🔄 Possibility to choose between 6- and 7-seater interior layout
  • 💰 More aggressive pricing policy of dealers (frequent discounts and special offers)

However Murano wins in prestige: its interior is designed in a more premium style, and the system ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise control) works smoother than the same option Sorento. If you care representativeness, the choice is obvious.

4. Mazda CX-9: premium without the premium price

Mazda CX-9 is the only crossover on this list that is positioned as “almost premium.” Its design is in style Kodo, high-quality finishing materials and Skyactiv-G 2.5T turbo engine (250 hp) make it a serious competitor for Murano. At the same time the price CX-9 in top trim levels is comparable to the basic versions of German brands.

Pros CX-9:

  • 🎨 Best Interior Design in the class (genuine leather, aluminum inserts)
  • 🛣️ Excellent handling (closer to a sedan than a crossover)
  • 🔊 Premium audio system Bose with 12 speakers

But there are also disadvantages: CX-9 does not offer a hybrid version, and its ground clearance (200 mm) is less than that of Murano (210 mm). In addition, third row of seats very cramped - it’s more of a “children’s” place, while competitors have more spacious ones.

Why is the Mazda CX-9 more expensive to maintain?

Due to the premium position of the brand, parts and labor cost 15-25% more than Nissan or Hyundai. For example, replacing a turbine can cost up to 200,000 rubles.

5. Ford Edge: American muscle vs Japanese elegance

Ford Edge — one of the few American crossovers that is officially sold in Russia. His main weapon is powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 (335 hp), which accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 6 seconds. For comparison: Murano with 3.5 V6 (260 hp) spends 7.5 seconds on this.

Benefits Edge:

  • 💪 Best Dynamics in class (ideal for those who like to drive fast)
  • 🎯 Precise steering system (better than most Japanese competitors)
  • 🔌 Support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto even in basic versions

However Ford Edge loses Murano in comfort: the suspension is stiffer, the sound insulation is worse, and the interior is less spacious. Besides, fuel consumption the American reaches 13–15 l/100 km in the city - this is 30% more than the Japanese competitor.

💡

If you need a crossover for active driving, Ford Edge is the best choice. For family trips and comfort, take Murano.

6. Volkswagen Teramont: German quality or marketing?

Volkswagen Teramont (aka Atlas in the USA) is the largest crossover in this comparison. He offers 7 seats, spacious trunk (up to 2,400 l) and diesel engine 2.0 TDI (249 hp), which is rare in the class. However, in Russia Teramont Sold only with petrol 3.6 VR6 (280 hp).

Comparison with Murano:

Parameter Nissan Murano VW Teramont
Length, mm 4 895 5 037
Trunk volume, l 1 100 1,980 (with seats folded)
Fuel consumption, l/100 km 9.5–11 12–14
Price, rub. (2026) from 4,200,000 from 4,800,000

Teramont wins in practicality, but loses in reliability: owners complain about problems with electronics (especially with the system Car-Net) and high maintenance costs. Murano, in turn, is cheaper to maintain and breaks down less often.

System operation Car-Net (often glitches)|Turbine condition (on diesel versions)|Gaps in doors (may whistle at speed)|Availability of software updates-->

7. Subaru Outback: crossover or station wagon?

Subaru Outback - a unique competitor, as it combines the features of a crossover and a station wagon. Its main features are all-wheel drive Symmetrical AWD (permanent, without connection), high ground clearance (213 mm) and legendary cross-country ability. In 2026, the model received an updated 2.4-liter turbo engine (260 hp) and improved system EyeSight (adaptive cruise control).

Why Outback could be better Murano:

  • 🌲 Better cross-country ability (ideal for country trips and light off-road)
  • 🔄 More reliable mechanics (engines and transmission Subaru walk 300+ thousand km)
  • 💰 Lower cost of ownership (cheaper parts and repairs)

However Outback loses in comfort: the interior is less spacious, the sound insulation is worse, and the interior design looks outdated compared to Murano. Besides, secondary market at Subaru in Russia it is very narrow - selling a car in a few years will be more difficult.

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If you often drive on dirt roads or in snow, Subaru Outback - the best choice among competitors Murano. For the city and highway it is better to consider other options.

Comparison table of key parameters

To make your choice easier, we have summarized the main characteristics in one table:

Model Engine Power, hp Consumption, l/100 km Price, rub. Main plus Main disadvantage
Nissan Murano 3.5 V6 260 9.5–11 from 4,200,000 Comfort and design No hybrid, high consumption
Toyota Highlander 2.5 Hybrid 249 5.8–6.2 from 4,500,000 Reliability and efficiency Expensive maintenance, boring design
Hyundai Santa Fe 2.5T GDI 281 9.0–10.5 from 3,900,000 7 year warranty, price Rigid suspension, sound insulation
Ford Edge 2.7 EcoBoost V6 335 12–15 from 4,300,000 Dynamics and control High consumption, reliability
Subaru Outback 2.4 Turbo 260 8.5–10 from 3,800,000 Passability and reliability Outdated interior, narrow secondary market

As can be seen from the table, Murano takes the golden mean in most parameters, but is inferior to competitors in efficiency and dynamics. If your priority is - comfort and style, then this is an excellent choice. If needed all-terrain or hybrid, it’s worth taking a closer look at the alternatives.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano competitors

Which Murano competitor is the most reliable?

According to repair statistics and owner reviews, Toyota Highlander leads in reliability, especially in the hybrid version. In second place - Subaru Outback (thanks to simple and proven mechanics). Nissan Murano also shows good results, but is inferior Toyota in transmission durability.

Which crossover is best for a family with children?

If needed 7 seats, then the best choice is Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe. Optimal for a family with 1–2 children Nissan Murano (more comfort and space for the stroller). Also note Kia Sorento - it has an option with 6 places (2+2+2), which is convenient for teenagers.

Which model is cheaper to maintain?

The most inexpensive to maintain - Hyundai Santa Fe And Kia Sorento (spare parts are 20–30% cheaper). Subaru Outback also inexpensive to repair, but requires high-quality fuel. Nissan Murano takes the middle position and Volkswagen Teramont And Mazda CX-9 - the most expensive (especially after the warranty).

Which crossover is better for off-roading?

Unconditional leader - Subaru Outback (permanent all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, reliable suspension). Other options you can consider Ford Edge (good handling on primers) or Volkswagen Teramont (but only with all-wheel drive 4Motion). Murano not suitable for serious off-roading - it has no differential locks.

Is it worth buying a used Murano?

Nissan Murano on the secondary market - a good option if the car no older than 5 years and has a full service history. The main problems for the 2015–2018 models: oil leaks from V6 engine and malfunctions variator (especially with a mileage of 150,000 km). Before purchasing, be sure to check:

  • Condition timing chains (on the motor VQ35DE it can stretch)
  • Job variator (there should be no jerks or delays)
  • Electronics (system sensors often fail ProPILOT)

In conclusion, I would like to note that Nissan Murano remains one of the most balanced crossovers in its class, but each of its competitors has its own unique advantages. Toyota Highlander suitable for those who value reliability and efficiency, Hyundai Santa Fe — optimal in terms of price/quality ratio, and Subaru Outback will be an ideal choice for off-road travel. The main thing is to clearly define your priorities before purchasing!

⚠️ Attention: When choosing between Murano and competitors, pay attention to availability of spare parts in your region. For example, for Ford Edge or Mazda CX-9 Some parts can take up to 2-3 months to be delivered to order.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to operate the crossover in severe frosts (below -30°C), give preference to models with preheater (For example, Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback). CVT Murano does not tolerate cold starts well.