Drivers who are looking for a stylish and modern SUV love comparing the Nissan Murano vs. the Toyota Highlander. Here’s what you need to know about their head-to-head battle.

Both the Murano and the Highlander have a lot in common as midsize SUVs. They are both about the same size and will take up the same room in your garage. They also have similar warranties:

• 3 years/36,000-miles basic
• 5- years/unlimited miles corrosion
• 5-years/60,000-miles drivetrain
• 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance (although the Highlander only offers 2-years/25,000-miles)
• 2-years/25,000-miles maintenance (although the Murano doesn’t offer this specific warranty)

Even with all of their similarities, these two SUVs have some incredible differences that are worth exploring.

Some Books Should Be Judged By Their Covers

When you compare the Nissan Murano vs. the Toyota Highlander, you’ll find two SUVs with a unique personality. You’ll love the look of the 18-inch aluminum wheels on both of these options. They also both come in a variety of eye-catching exterior colors.

The Highlander stands out with an aggressive front grille that not only gives you more confidence but will ensure you stand out. Drivers especially love the blacked-out accents and low side skirts that show off just how sporty the Highlander can be.

The Murano, on the other hand, uses its design for more than just looks. The aerodynamic design both looks good and provides some extra pep in your step. The special V-Motion grille points attention to the newly updated design, chiseled lines, and stylish accents.

If you like the boxier look of the classic SUV, the Highlander is the right option for you. If you’re looking for something with a modern twist, check out the Murano.

On Your Mark. Get Set. Go.

One of the most important elements of picking out a new car is that vehicle’s power and drive train. When it comes to your SUVs transmission, there are a couple of options. The Toyota Highlander comes equipped with eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The Nissan Murano offers a smoother acceleration, thanks to its Xtronic CVT transmission. Instead of using the standard gear system for a more seamless belt and pulley. While the Highlander does have a CVT option, it’s only available on their hybrid option.

Both of these SUVs rock a 3.5-liter V6 engine that comes standard with a front-wheel-drive. You’ll also notice that both the Murano and the Highlander earn around 23-24 mpg combined.
You do have an option to go with an all-wheel-drive. The Murano, however, has an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. This feature shifts between all-wheel and front-wheel-drive as needed, which helps save fuel in the long run.

Advanced Driver-Assist Systems

Since safety is one of the most critical elements of buying a new SUV, it’s worth comparing the Nissan Murano vs. the Toyota Highlander’s driver-assist features. Even if they have different names, both options have a standard feature that helps avoid oncoming collisions. When these systems sense something coming in your path, they supply a warning or can take action by automatically applying your brakes.

The Nissan Murano comes with some additional features you don’t get with the Highlander. One of the most popular features is the Intelligent Driver Alertness system. This feature monitors your driving to detect if you’re driving fatigued. It can even alert you when it’s time to pull over and take a break.

Your Next SUV

While there are plenty of wonderful SUVs on the market, many drivers look towards the Nissan Murano vs. Toyota Highlander. These two options bring a lot to the table and make their owners very proud. Of course, if you want the latest safety tech, a smoother ride, and a more modern look, the Murano is the perfect SUV.