Fuel efficiency face-off: nissan murano vs kia seltos – who comes out on top?
What To Know
- 0-liter engine are 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- While neither the Nissan Murano nor the Kia Seltos is designed for serious off-roading, the Seltos offers slightly better off-road capabilities with its optional all-wheel-drive system and X-Line trim, which includes a raised suspension and additional underbody protection.
- The Kia Seltos is more affordable, with a starting price of $23,590 for the base LX trim and a top price of $36,090 for the top-of-the-line SX Turbo AWD trim.
In the realm of compact crossovers, the Nissan Murano and Kia Seltos stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, practicality, and performance, making them popular choices among discerning drivers. However, each crossover has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of the Nissan Murano and Kia Seltos, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Dimensions
The Nissan Murano exudes a sleek and sophisticated profile with its angular lines and bold grille. Its dimensions are slightly larger than the Seltos, with a length of 192.8 inches, a width of 76.7 inches, and a height of 68.1 inches.
In contrast, the Kia Seltos adopts a more rugged and sporty aesthetic, featuring a boxier shape and a distinctive “Tiger Nose” grille. It is more compact than the Murano, with a length of 175.8 inches, a width of 70.9 inches, and a height of 63.0 inches.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Nissan Murano boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with premium materials and comfortable seating. It offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a Bose premium audio system.
The Kia Seltos offers a more compact but equally comfortable interior with a modern and intuitive design. It features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The rear seats provide adequate space, but taller passengers may find the headroom a bit limited.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model.
The Kia Seltos offers a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a CVT and come with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings for the front-wheel-drive model with the 2.0-liter engine are 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine gets 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Murano and Kia Seltos prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems. The Murano comes standard with features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Seltos offers similar features, including forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Off-Road Capabilities
While neither the Nissan Murano nor the Kia Seltos is designed for serious off-roading, the Seltos offers slightly better off-road capabilities with its optional all-wheel-drive system and X-Line trim, which includes a raised suspension and additional underbody protection.
Price and Value
The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $32,510 for the base S trim, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $46,840. The Kia Seltos is more affordable, with a starting price of $23,590 for the base LX trim and a top price of $36,090 for the top-of-the-line SX Turbo AWD trim.
Which Crossover is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Murano and Kia Seltos depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize style, space, and a premium interior, the Nissan Murano is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable crossover with decent off-road capabilities, the Kia Seltos is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which crossover has a more powerful engine?
A: The Nissan Murano has a more powerful engine with 260 horsepower compared to the Kia Seltos‘s 175 horsepower turbocharged engine.
Q: Which crossover is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Kia Seltos with the 2.0-liter engine is more fuel-efficient than the Nissan Murano, getting up to 34 mpg on the highway compared to the Murano’s 28 mpg.
Q: Which crossover has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Nissan Murano has a larger cargo capacity with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats compared to the Kia Seltos‘s 26.4 cubic feet.
Q: Which crossover has a better warranty?
A: Both the Nissan Murano and Kia Seltos offer a comprehensive warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles basic warranty, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty, and 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance.
Q: Which crossover is more reliable?
A: According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Kia Seltos ranks higher in reliability than the Nissan Murano.
