Toyota Highlander Vs Nissan Murano: Which 3-row Suv Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile SUV, the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano stand out as two of the most popular options in the market. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and features, making them ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. However, if you’re torn between these two exceptional SUVs, this comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision and determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.

Performance and Power: Unleashing the Beasts Within

1. Engine Options and Powertrains:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Toyota Highlander: With its hybrid powertrain option, the Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine model delivers 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers a respectable fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

3. Handling and Driving Dynamics:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander provides a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and well-weighted steering. Its all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and traction in various road conditions.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano delivers a more engaging driving experience, with agile handling and precise steering. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers smooth gear changes and contributes to a refined ride.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Haven for Passengers

1. Seating and Cabin Space:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers, providing ample legroom and headroom in all three rows. Its flexible seating arrangements allow for various cargo configurations.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with seating for five passengers. The front seats provide excellent support and bolstering, while the rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom.

2. Cargo Capacity:

• Toyota Highlander: With the third row of seats folded down, the Highlander offers a generous 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space, making it an excellent choice for hauling large items or luggage.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano provides a respectable 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, meeting the needs of most families and outdoor enthusiasts.

3. Features and Amenities:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander comes well-equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium audio system, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It also offers advanced safety features such as lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose premium audio system, heated front seats, and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. It also boasts safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind on Every Journey

1. Safety Ratings:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), receiving a 5-star overall safety rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano has also achieved impressive safety ratings, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

2. Reliability and Durability:

• Toyota Highlander: Toyota vehicles are renowned for their reliability and durability, and the Highlander is no exception. It consistently ranks highly in various reliability surveys and has a reputation for delivering years of trouble-free ownership.
• Nissan Murano: Nissan vehicles have also earned a reputation for reliability, with the Murano receiving positive feedback from owners and automotive experts alike. It offers a comprehensive warranty coverage, providing peace of mind to its owners.

Price and Value: Finding the Best Bang for Your Buck

1. Base Price:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a base price starting at around $35,000 for the L trim level.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano has a slightly lower base price, starting at around $32,000 for the S trim level.

2. Trim Levels and Options:

• Toyota Highlander: The Highlander offers a range of trim levels, including the L, LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum, each with its unique features and amenities.
• Nissan Murano: The Murano also comes in various trim levels, including the S, SV, SL, and Platinum, offering a variety of options and packages to tailor the vehicle to individual preferences.

3. Resale Value:

• Toyota Highlander: Toyota vehicles generally hold their value well over time, and the Highlander is no exception. Its strong reputation for reliability and durability contributes to its impressive resale value.
• Nissan Murano: Nissan vehicles also maintain their value reasonably well, with the Murano offering a competitive resale value compared to its rivals in the midsize SUV segment.

Final Note: The Verdict – Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Murano

In the battle of the Toyota Highlander vs Nissan Murano, both SUVs offer compelling attributes that cater to different needs and preferences. The Highlander stands out with its spacious interior, hybrid powertrain option for enhanced fuel efficiency, and impressive safety ratings. On the other hand, the Murano offers a more engaging driving experience, a comprehensive suite of features, and a slightly lower base price. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional SUVs depends on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, interior space, or driving dynamics, both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano deliver a rewarding ownership experience.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander or Nissan Murano?
A: The Toyota Highlander, with its hybrid powertrain option, delivers superior fuel efficiency compared to the Nissan Murano.

Q2: Which SUV has a more spacious interior and seating capacity?
A: The Toyota Highlander boasts a more spacious cabin and can accommodate up to eight passengers, while the Nissan Murano offers a comfortable five-passenger seating configuration.

Q3: Which SUV has a more engaging driving experience?
A: The Nissan Murano provides a more agile and engaging driving experience, with precise steering and a responsive CVT transmission.

Q4: Which SUV offers a more comprehensive suite of features and amenities?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano offer a wide range of features and amenities, including infotainment systems, premium audio systems, and advanced safety technologies. However, the specific features may vary depending on the trim level and options chosen.

Q5: Which SUV has a better reputation for reliability and durability?
A: Toyota vehicles, including the Highlander, generally have a stronger reputation for reliability and durability compared to Nissan vehicles, based on various reliability surveys and owner feedback.