What To Know
- The Ascent has a clear advantage in off-road capability, with its all-wheel drive system and X-Mode, which provides enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions.
- The Ascent offers more seating, cargo space, and off-road capability, while the Murano delivers a more upscale interior, better fuel economy, and a more intuitive infotainment system.
- The Nissan Murano comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
The midsize SUV segment is a competitive one, with automakers vying for attention with feature-packed offerings. Two popular choices in this category are the Subaru Ascent and the Nissan Murano. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, ample power, and a comfortable ride. But how do they compare head-to-head? Let’s take a closer look at the Subaru Ascent vs. Nissan Murano.
Performance
Engine and Power:
- Subaru Ascent: 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-4 engine, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque
- Nissan Murano: 3.5-liter V6 engine, 260 horsepower, 240 lb-ft of torque
Both vehicles offer comparable power output, with the Ascent having a slight edge in torque due to its turbocharged engine.
Transmission:
- Subaru Ascent: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 8 pre-programmed “gears”
- Nissan Murano: 9-speed automatic transmission
The Murano’s 9-speed automatic transmission provides smoother gear changes and better fuel economy than the Ascent’s CVT.
Fuel Economy
- Subaru Ascent: 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- Nissan Murano: 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
The Murano has a slight advantage in fuel economy, thanks to its more efficient V6 engine.
Interior
Seating and Space:
- Subaru Ascent: 3 rows of seating for up to 8 passengers, 153.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down
- Nissan Murano: 2 rows of seating for up to 5 passengers, 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down
The Ascent offers more seating capacity and cargo space, making it a better choice for larger families.
Features and Amenities:
Both vehicles offer a range of interior features, including:
- Subaru Ascent: StarLink infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, heated front seats
- Nissan Murano: NissanConnect infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, leather-trimmed seats
The Murano offers a more upscale interior with premium materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Safety
Standard Safety Features:
- Subaru Ascent: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking)
- Nissan Murano: Safety Shield 360 (includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring)
Both vehicles offer comprehensive safety suites, with the Ascent having a slight edge thanks to its EyeSight system, which includes more advanced driver assistance features.
Off-Road Capability
- Subaru Ascent: Symmetrical all-wheel drive, X-Mode with hill descent control
- Nissan Murano: All-wheel drive (optional), no dedicated off-road modes
The Ascent has a clear advantage in off-road capability, with its all-wheel drive system and X-Mode, which provides enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions.
Price
- Subaru Ascent: Starting at $33,470
- Nissan Murano: Starting at $33,560
The Murano and Ascent have similar starting prices, making them comparable in terms of affordability.
Which Vehicle is Right for You?
Subaru Ascent:
- Ideal for large families or those who need more seating and cargo space
- Excellent off-road capability
- Advanced driver assistance features
Nissan Murano:
- More upscale interior with premium materials
- Better fuel economy
- More intuitive infotainment system
Summing It Up:
The Subaru Ascent and Nissan Murano are both capable midsize SUVs with unique strengths. The Ascent offers more seating, cargo space, and off-road capability, while the Murano delivers a more upscale interior, better fuel economy, and a more intuitive infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the Nissan Murano‘s 3,500 pounds.
Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Subaru Ascent comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Nissan Murano comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, as well as a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
Q: Which vehicle has a more comfortable ride?
A: Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, but the Nissan Murano has a slightly softer suspension, which may be more appealing to some drivers.