Nissan Murano vs Ford Explorer
Overview | |
Years produced2003-2007 | Years produced1991-Present |
MSRP$40,470 | MSRP$40,050 |
Listings9635 | Listings9846 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe fourth generation of the Murano comes with a new powertrain and lots of new features, including tech and comfort options making their way into this lineup for the first time ever. Yet Nissan has also, for some reason, felt it necessary to take away certain desirable offerings that used to be more affordably accessible. It sits at the upper end of the automaker’s crossover and SUV range, above the Nissan Kicks, the Nissan Rogue, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Nissan Ariya, but below the larger Nissan Armada. Verdict: We’ve got a lot of good things to say about this new Murano. The downgrades stick in our craw, but in reality, they represent just a small handful of the many changes that are generally quite positive. | |
Reviews SummaryThanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space32.9 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4193 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height67.9 in | Height69.6 in |
Length192.9 in | Length198.7 in |
Width87.7 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase111.2 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1407 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2003-2007 | 1991-Present |
MSRP | $40,470 | $40,050 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The fourth generation of the Murano comes with a new powertrain and lots of new features, including tech and comfort options making their way into this lineup for the first time ever. Yet Nissan has also, for some reason, felt it necessary to take away certain desirable offerings that used to be more affordably accessible. It sits at the upper end of the automaker’s crossover and SUV range, above the Nissan Kicks, the Nissan Rogue, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Nissan Ariya, but below the larger Nissan Armada. Verdict: We’ve got a lot of good things to say about this new Murano. The downgrades stick in our craw, but in reality, they represent just a small handful of the many changes that are generally quite positive. | Thanks to numerous changes for 2025, the Ford Explorer is a more appealing alternative to the seemingly countless choices in the midsize three-row SUV segment. Highlights include sophisticated new infotainment and safety technologies, improved interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup offering Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels. Also, as the prices of rivals have risen, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems properly priced in comparison. Verdict: Ford’s updates to the Explorer for the 2025 model year have a positive effect on the SUV’s desirability. It looks tougher, it feels nicer inside, and the family-friendly SUV leaps forward technologically. Turbocharged power and a rear-drive platform add driving enjoyment. All that’s missing is a more comfortable third-row seat, an electrified powertrain option, and an off-road trim level. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 32.9 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4193 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 67.9 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 192.9 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 87.7 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1407 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |

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