What To Know
- The Nissan Murano with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Kia Sorento with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of value, the Kia Sorento offers a more competitive price point and a slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano.
In the competitive world of midsize SUVs, the Nissan Murano and Kia Sorento stand out as two formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, and practicality, making them popular choices for families and adventure seekers alike. But which one is the right choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, this comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Murano and Kia Sorento.
Engine and Performance
The Nissan Murano comes equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Sorento, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter inline-four with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque or a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of performance, the Murano’s V6 engine provides a smooth and powerful driving experience, while the Sorento’s inline-four engine is slightly less responsive. However, the Sorento’s optional V6 engine offers comparable performance to the Murano, with slightly better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers. The Nissan Murano with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version gets slightly lower fuel economy at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The Kia Sorento with front-wheel drive has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Overall, the Kia Sorento has a slight edge over the Nissan Murano in terms of fuel economy, especially with the inline-four engine.
Interior and Features
Both the Nissan Murano and Kia Sorento offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Murano features a modern and stylish cabin with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Sorento’s interior is equally impressive, with a more traditional design and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
In terms of features, the Nissan Murano comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system. The Kia Sorento comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Higher trim levels of both vehicles offer a range of additional features, such as leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for many car buyers. The Nissan Murano and Kia Sorento both come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Traction control
- Airbags
The Murano also comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sorento offers these features as standard on higher trim levels.
Both vehicles have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Price and Value
The Nissan Murano has a starting price of $33,560 for the base S trim level. The Kia Sorento has a starting price of $30,490 for the base LX trim level.
In terms of value, the Kia Sorento offers a more competitive price point and a slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Murano. However, the Murano comes with a more powerful engine and a slightly better safety rating.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Murano and Kia Sorento depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value performance and safety, the Murano is a solid choice. If you prioritize fuel economy and value, the Sorento is a great option.
Both vehicles offer a high level of quality, features, and safety, making them excellent choices in the midsize SUV segment.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
The Kia Sorento has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Nissan Murano‘s 3,500 pounds.
2. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
The Kia Sorento has a slightly more spacious interior than the Nissan Murano, with more legroom and headroom in the second and third rows.
3. Which vehicle comes with a longer warranty?
The Kia Sorento comes with a longer warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles compared to the Nissan Murano‘s 5 years/60,000 miles.