Nissan Murano is a stylish premium crossover that has held its position on the market for more than 20 years thanks to its unique design, comfortable interior and proven reliability. However, in 2026, the model has many worthy rivals: from the Korean giants Hyundai Santa Fe And Kia Sorento to Japanese bestsellers Toyota Highlander And Mazda CX-90. Which crossover to choose if you like Murano, but want to consider alternatives?
In this article we made an in-depth comparison Top 10 Nissan Murano Competitors, having analyzed them according to key criteria: price, technical characteristics, equipment, reliability and operating features. You will find out which models are offered best value for money in the mid-size crossover segment, and which ones overpay for the brand. We will pay special attention to nuances that are rarely mentioned in reviews: real fuel consumption, maintenance costs and typical problems after 100,000 km.
1. Toyota Highlander: Murano's main Japanese rival
Toyota Highlander - direct competitor Murano in the line of Japanese manufacturers. Both models belong to the class mid-size crossovers, but the approach to their creation is radically different. If Murano focuses on design and comfort, then Highlander - for practicality and family functionality (including a version with 7 seats).
On the technical side Highlander offers a hybrid power plant (2.5 l + electric motors, 243 hp), which compares favorably with 3.5 V6 in Murano (260 hp) in terms of fuel consumption: 6.2 l/100 km versus 9.8 l/100 km. However, the acceleration dynamics of the hybrid are more modest - 8.3 s to 100 km/h versus 7.5 s for Murano.
- ✅ Pros: reliability, hybrid version, spacious interior, high ground clearance (203 mm).
- ❌ Cons: boring design, noisy suspension on bad roads, expensive maintenance after warranty.
- 💰 Price: from 3,890,000 ₽ (hybrid) vs 3,799,000 ₽ for Murano 2.5 AWD.
⚠️ Attention: Owners Highlander 2020–2022 complain about problems with the system Toyota Safety Sense — false braking alarms on the highway. Please check with your dealer for software updates before purchasing.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe vs Murano: Korean challenge
Hyundai Santa Fe 2026 - one of the brightest competitors Murano, especially after restyling. Korean crossover offers more modern design (futuristic radiator grille, LED optics), but loses in the premium quality of the interior trim. But Santa Fe wins in size: length 4,830 mm vs 4,895 mm Murano, but the wheelbase is longer (2,815 mm vs 2,825 mm), which affects legroom.
Under the hood Santa Fe — turbo engine 2.5 T-GDI (281 hp), which accelerates the crossover to 100 km/h in 7.1 s. For comparison: Murano with 3.5 V6 spends 7.5 seconds on this, but offers smoother and quieter engine operation. The Korean's fuel consumption is higher - 10.5 l/100 km in the city.
| Parameter | Nissan Murano | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 V6 (260 hp) |
2.5 T-GDI (281 hp) |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 7.5 s | 7.1 s |
| Fuel consumption (city) | 12.3 l/100 km | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Price (base) | 3 799 000 ₽ | 3 699 000 ₽ |
- Nissan Murano (elegant)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (futuristic)
- Toyota Highlander (classic)
- Another option
3. Kia Sorento: practicality versus style
Kia Sorento - twin Santa Fe on the platform, but with a different emphasis: here the emphasis is on space and functionality. Unlike Murano, which offers only 5 seats, Sorento available in a 7-seat configuration (option for RUB 150,000). This makes it an ideal choice for large families, even though the third row is a bit cramped for adults.
Technically Sorento identical Santa Fe: same 2.5 T-GDI (281 hp), but with slightly different suspension settings - it is softer, but less informative. An important advantage over Murano — warranty 7 years or 200,000 km (for Nissan - 3 years or 100,000 km). However, the Korean crossover loses in noise insulation: at speeds over 120 km/h, wind noise is heard in the cabin.
- 🔧 Service: TO Sorento 20–30% cheaper due to the availability of spare parts.
- 🛡️ Security: 5 stars Euro NCAP (2021) vs 4 stars Murano (2019).
- 💺 Salon: B Murano - leather Nappa in top versions, Sorento — artificial leather even in the maximum configuration.
If you often drive off-road, pay attention to Sorento with the system HTRAC - it distributes torque between axles better than Intelligent AWD in Murano.
4. Mazda CX-90: premium without the premium price
Mazda CX-90 - the newest competitor Murano (debuted in 2023) and perhaps the most interesting. The Japanese crossover offers a unique combination of design, dynamics and quality finishes, approaching the level of German premium brands. Unlike Murano, which uses the platform Nissan D, CX-90 built on new architecture Skyactiv-Multi Solution with a longitudinal engine.
Under the hood - 3.3 Turbo (284 hp) or hybrid installation e-Skyactiv PHEV (327 hp). The latter provides acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.8 s - this is faster than Murano by 1.7 s! At the same time, fuel consumption in hybrid mode is only 1.8 l/100 km (according to the WLTP cycle). However, the price starts from 4,590,000 ₽ - 800,000 ₽ more expensive than the base one Murano.
Why is the CX-90 more expensive than the Murano?
Mazda uses more expensive materials (aluminum in the body, genuine leather Nappa even in mid-range trim levels) and offers unique technologies, such as i-Activ AWD with predictive thrust distribution.
5. Ford Edge: American muscle versus Japanese elegance
Ford Edge - the only American competitor Murano on the Russian market. His main weapon is powerful turbo engine 2.7 EcoBoost V6 (335 hp), which accelerates the crossover to 100 km/h in 5.5 s. For comparison: Murano with 3.5 V6 spends 7.5 s on this. However, an American has a corresponding appetite - 13.5 l/100 km in the city.
In terms of comfort Edge loses: the interior is made of cheaper materials, and the sound insulation is worse. But the American offers larger trunk (1,110 l vs 1,081 l Murano) and system Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes parking assistance with the function Trailer Backup Assist - indispensable for trailer owners.
⚠️ Attention: Ford Edge It is assembled in Canada, and its supplies to Russia are limited. If you're considering this model, check with your dealer about parts availability—shortages could become a problem once Ford leaves the market.
6. Volkswagen Teramont: German order vs Japanese reliability
Volkswagen Teramont (aka Atlas in the USA) is one of the few European competitors Murano. His main trump cards are spacious salon (length 5,037 mm) and the ability to order a version with 7 seats. However, in terms of dynamics, the German loses: basic 2.0 TSI (249 hp) accelerates the crossover to 100 km/h in 8.5 s, and the top 3.6 VR6 (280 hp) - in 7.8 s.
Main disadvantage Teramont before Murano — service price. Spare parts and labor from official VW dealers are 30–40% more expensive than from Nissan. For example, replacing a timing belt will cost 45,000 ₽ versus 32,000 ₽ for Murano. But the German offers better sound insulation and a more precise steering rack.
Mileage (motors 3.6 VR6 sensitive to overheating)|Turbine condition (2.0 TSI prone to oil starvation)|System operation 4Motion (check for any play in the drive)|Warranty period (VW offers 3 years, but only with dealer service)-->
7. Skoda Kodiaq: Czech alternative with European charm
Skoda Kodiaq is another European competitor that stands out practicality and space. Unlike Murano, which is positioned as a stylish crossover for the city, Kodiaq - this is family car with an emphasis on functionality. The trunk here is a record - 2,065 liters (vs 1,081 liters for Murano), and the third row of seats, although cramped, is suitable for children.
By technique Kodiaq offers a choice of three engines: 1.5 TSI (150 hp), 2.0 TSI (245 hp) and diesel 2.0 TDI (200 hp). The latter is especially interesting for those who travel a lot: fuel consumption is only 5.2 l/100 km on the highway. However, the diesel version costs RUB 500,000 more than the base version Murano.
- 🔹 Unique feature: System
Simply Clever— 27 “smart” solutions, for example, an umbrella in the driver’s door or a retractable luggage compartment. - 🔹 Weak point: The suspension is too soft for aggressive driving, but comfortable for families.
- 🔹 Price: From 3,990,000 ₽ (with
1.5 TSI) - more expensive Murano, but cheaper Teramont.
Comparison table of Nissan Murano competitors
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Acceleration 0–100 km/h | Price (from, ₽) | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano | 3.5 V6 |
260 | 7.5 s | 3 799 000 | Stylish design, comfortable interior |
| Toyota Highlander | 2.5 Hybrid |
243 | 8.3 s | 3 890 000 | Reliability, hybrid version |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2.5 T-GDI |
281 | 7.1 s | 3 699 000 | Modern design, 7 year warranty |
| Mazda CX-90 | 3.3 Turbo |
284 | 6.5 s | 4 590 000 | Premium finish, dynamics |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 2.0 TDI |
200 | 8.2 s | 4 290 000 | Space, diesel version |
If reliability and low cost of ownership are important to you, choose between Toyota Highlander And Nissan Murano. If you need space and functionality - Kia Sorento or Skoda Kodiaq. For lovers of dynamics and premiumness - Mazda CX-90.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano competitors
🔹 Which Murano competitor is the most reliable?
The undisputed leader in reliability - Toyota Highlander. According to the study J.D. Power 2023, it ranks 1st in the mid-size crossover segment in terms of the number of breakdowns per 100,000 km. In second place - Nissan Murano, on the third - Mazda CX-90.
However, Highlander there are weak points: after 150,000 km, shock absorbers often need to be replaced (cost ~60,000 rubles per set) and the throttle valve needs to be cleaned (symptom: floating speed at idle).
🔹 Which crossover is more economical than Murano?
The leader in fuel consumption is Toyota Highlander Hybrid (6.2 l/100 km combined cycle), followed by Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI (5.5 l/100 km on the highway). Nissan Murano with 3.5 V6 consumes an average of 10.5 l/100 km, which is 30–40% more.
If an economical gasoline option is important to you, consider Hyundai Santa Fe with 2.5 MPI (190 hp) - its consumption is 8.9 l/100 km.
🔹 Which Murano competitor is the most spacious?
In terms of internal space, the leader is Volkswagen Teramont (interior length - 2,980 mm, trunk - 1,110 l). In second place - Skoda Kodiaq (trunk capacity 2,065 liters with seats folded down). Nissan Murano In this regard, it loses: its trunk holds only 1,081 liters.
If you need a 7-seat crossover, choose between Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe (in the long wheelbase version) and Volkswagen Teramont.
🔹Which Murano competitor is better for off-roading?
The best choice for light off-roading is Kia Sorento with all-wheel drive HTRAC. He suggests:
- Greater ground clearance (203 mm vs 185 mm for Murano)
- Traction distribution system with center differential lock
- Driving Modes
Mud/Sand/Snow
For serious offroading it is better to consider Toyota Highlander with the system Multi-Terrain Select or Ford Edge with Terrain Management.
🔹 Which Murano competitor is the most premium?
Leader in terms of finish and driving experience - Mazda CX-90. He suggests:
- Genuine leather Nappa even in medium trim levels
- Handmade wooden inserts (optional)
- Sound system Bose with 12 speakers
- Electronically controlled adaptive suspension
In second place - Nissan Murano (especially in the version Platinum), on the third - Volkswagen Teramont.