Nissan Murano vs The Competition: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Palisade
| Nissan Murano | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Santa Fe | Hyundai Palisade | |
| MSRP* | $45,633 | $37,259 | NA | $54,699 |
| Engine litres (L) | 3.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.8 |
| Cylinder configuration | V6 | I4 | I4 | V6 |
| Horsepower (hp) | 260 | 190 | 277 | 291 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 240 | 179 | 311 | 262 |
| Fuel economy - city (L/100 km) | 12 | 8.4 | 8.92 | 12.2 |
| Fuel economy - highway (L/100 km) | 8.5 | 7.1 | 11.47 | 9.7 |
| Fuel economy - combined (L/100 km) | 10.4 | 8.4 - 7.1 | 8.92 - 11.47 | 9.7 - 12.2 |
| Exterior length (mm) | 4,897 | 4,694 | 4,831 | 4,996 |
| Exterior body width (mm) | 1,915 | 1,867 | 1,899 | 1,976 |
| Exterior body height (mm) | 1,722 | 1,679 | 1,719 | 1,750 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,824 | 2,700 | 2,814 | 2,901 |
| Interior cargo volume (L) | 881 | 1,113 | NA | 510 |
| Maximum interior cargo volume (L) | 1,841 | 2,166 | NA | 2,447 |
| Front legroom (mm) | 1,029 | 1,049 | NA | 1,120 |
| Rear legroom (mm) | 983 | 1,041 | NA | 1,077 |
| Front headroom (mm) | 968 | 1,016 | NA | 998 |
| Rear headroom (mm) | 960 | 970 | NA | 986 |
| Front shoulder room (mm) | 1,511 | 1,471 | NA | 1,554 |
*All pricing is based on Alberta MSRP and does not include taxes and fees. Dealer pricing may differ. Prices are subject to change anytime without notice.
When shopping for a reliable and versatile SUV, the Nissan Murano stands out as a strong contender in a competitive market. In this article, we’ll compare the Murano to three of its closest rivals — the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Hyundai Palisade. From performance and interior features to technology and safety, this comparison will help you determine which SUV best fits your lifestyle and driving needs.
Performance Comparison
The Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers 260 horsepower, offering a smooth and composed driving experience. It comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers all-wheel drive as an option. While the continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributes to seamless shifts, it can become noticeably loud under hard acceleration.
Honda CR-V
In contrast, the Honda CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, which is ideal for daily commuting. It also offers a hybrid option that boosts output to 204 horsepower and improves fuel efficiency, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious drivers.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe features a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers strong performance and responsiveness, especially with the optional all-wheel drive.
Hyundai Palisade
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Palisade brings even more muscle with a 3.8-litre V6 engine generating 291 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available paddle shifters, the Palisade provides confident acceleration and a more hands-on driving feel.
SUMMARY: Each SUV offers a unique performance profile, with the Murano standing out for its smooth V6 power, while the Palisade delivers the most horsepower and the CR-V shines in fuel economy and hybrid versatility.
Interior Comparison
The Nissan Murano welcomes passengers with a refined and upscale cabin that emphasizes comfort. It features soft leather upholstery, elegant teak-wood trim, and plush, heavily cushioned seating throughout. Both front and rear passengers benefit from generous space, making the Murano a solid choice for long-distance travel.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V, while more minimalist in design, impresses with thoughtful touches like a honeycomb-textured dash insert and cleverly hidden air vents. The front seats are designed to reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys, and the improved driving position adds to overall comfort and visibility.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe brings a bold and contemporary interior with a rectangular design motif that gives it a fresh, upscale feel. Supportive seating and smart use of cabin space ensure a pleasant experience for both driver and passengers.
Hyundai Palisade
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Palisade stands out with its luxurious and spacious interior. It features premium materials, available quilted leather upholstery, and a thoughtful layout that includes available captain’s chairs and three-row seating—making it ideal for families or those needing more room.
SUMMARY: Overall, the Murano delivers plush comfort and a premium feel, while the CR-V and Santa Fe focus on modern design and ergonomic features. The Palisade, with its larger dimensions and upscale finishes, leads the pack in interior space and luxury.
Technology and Safety Comparison
The Nissan Murano comes well-equipped with tech features, including an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with NissanConnect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM with Travel Link, built-in navigation, and USB-A/C ports—front and rear. Higher trims enhance convenience with dual wireless smartphone charging.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V starts with a 7.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and upgrades to a 9.0-inch unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims. While smaller than the Murano’s rivals, it still offers an intuitive interface and essential smartphone integration.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a premium tech experience with dual 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment, plus wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual wireless charging pads. The Palisade also stands out, featuring a standard 12.0-inch touchscreen, in-dash navigation, and up to seven USB ports for seamless connectivity.
SUMMARY: Overall, while the Murano holds its ground with solid standard tech and safety offerings, the Hyundai models push the envelope with larger displays and more cutting-edge features. The CR-V balances tech and safety with efficiency and simplicity, making each of these SUVs appealing to different kinds of drivers.