Premium Crossover Showdown: 2025 Nissan Murano vs. 2025 Honda CR-V

The all-new 2025 Nissan Murano announces its arrival with a sophisticated, modern, and sculptural design that commands attention. Its design philosophy is one of premium elegance, evident in details like the ultra-thin "Crystal Cube" LED headlights and the seamless, full-width rear LED taillights that create a distinctive and futuristic light signature. This is a vehicle designed not just for function, but for visual impact.

The Honda CR-V, in contrast, features a practical and conventional design that is familiar on the road. While it is a functional vehicle, it lacks the Murano's bespoke details. This premium feel is further amplified by the Murano's larger standard 20-inch wheels, with stunning 21-inch wheels on the Platinum trim. These are significantly larger than the 17- and 18-inch wheels found on most CR-V models, giving the Murano a more substantial and commanding stance. This commitment to style extends to the color palette. The Murano is available in a range of sophisticated colors like Deep Ocean Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. For those seeking a truly distinct and modern look, the Murano SL and Platinum trims offer exclusive two-tone color combinations, such as Everest White TriCoat paired with a Super Black roof. This level of customization is a hallmark of a true premium vehicle. The Honda CR-V is available in a selection of solid colors, including Canyon River Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic, but it does not offer the expressive, factory-applied two-tone options found on the Murano.

Design and Exterior specs for the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Honda CR-V:

Performance is where the 2025 Nissan Murano establishes a significant and undeniable advantage. Every Murano is powered by a standard 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine paired with a smooth and responsive 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is engineered to deliver an immediate, confident response when you press the accelerator.

In contrast, the Honda CR-V comes standard with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While capable, its performance figures are simply not in the same league as the Murano's. The Murano's standard engine produces 51 more horsepower and 81 more lb-ft of torque than the CR-V's standard engine. This is not just a number on a page; it's a dramatic difference you will feel immediately in city traffic, on highway on-ramps, and during passing maneuvers. The Murano delivers this commanding performance while maintaining a respectable EPA estimate for such a powerful engine.

Performance and Economy specs for the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Honda CR-V:

Stepping inside the 2025 Nissan Murano is like entering a first-class cabin, a space where advanced technology and premium comfort are not optional extras, but the standard. The most striking feature is the standard dual 12.3-inch display system, which creates a seamless, high-tech wall of information and entertainment. This immersive digital cockpit completely outclasses the CR-V's standard 7-inch touchscreen, immediately establishing the Murano as the more modern and sophisticated vehicle.

Beyond the screens, the Murano offers a level of luxury and thoughtful engineering the CR-V simply cannot match. Nissan's exclusive Zero Gravity front seats, which are standard on every Murano, provide exceptional support inspired by space-age technology to help reduce fatigue on long drives. The Honda CR-V offers comfortable body-stabilizing seats, but they lack this specific, research-backed design.

For the ultimate in relaxation, the Murano Platinum offers climate-controlled (heated and ventilated) massaging front seats-a feature typically found in high-end luxury vehicles and one that is not available on any CR-V trim. This commitment to a premium experience is further enhanced by available 64-color ambient lighting that allows you to customize the cabin's atmosphere, and unique "Murano Glass" dashboard finishers that add an artistic touch. While the CR-V provides a functional and comfortable interior, the 2025 Nissan Murano delivers a demonstrably more advanced, more luxurious, and more personalized environment. It's not just a cabin; it's an experience.

Interior Features and Technology specs for the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Honda CR-V:

At Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers, we believe that confidence is the ultimate luxury. Both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the Honda CR-V come equipped with strong standard safety suites-Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and Honda Sensing, respectively. These systems provide a crucial layer of protection with features like Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Warning. However, Nissan takes driver confidence a step further with its more advanced and intuitive available systems.

The Murano offers ProPILOT Assist 1.1, an intelligent system that represents the next step in driver assistance. It not only helps with steering, acceleration, and braking on the highway but can also proactively adjust the vehicle's speed for upcoming curves or based on traffic sign recognition. This creates a smoother, more relaxing, and more intuitive driving experience on long journeys. Furthermore, the Murano offers an available Invisible Hood View feature as part of its HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor. This cutting-edge technology gives you a virtual view of the area directly in front of and under the vehicle, making tight parking situations and navigating obstacles easier and safer than ever.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance specs for the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Honda CR-V:

When evaluating a new vehicle, understanding what comes standard is the key to identifying true value. The 2025 Nissan Murano is engineered to provide a premium, feature-rich experience from its very first trim level, eliminating the need for expensive packages to get the technology and power you desire.

To put it in sharper focus, let's compare what a similar investment gets you from each brand. For a price comparable to the top-tier CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, you can drive home in a Nissan Murano SV. At this price point, the Murano SV provides a significantly more powerful 241-hp VC-Turbo® engine and its immersive dual 12.3-inch display interface. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid, in contrast, offers a 204-hp hybrid system and a much smaller 9-inch touchscreen. This highlights a fundamental difference in philosophy. Nissan prioritizes core performance and a commanding, high-tech driver interface as the standard for the Murano. While Honda requires you to purchase their most expensive model just to access premium features, the Murano delivers its most impressive technological and performance advantages right from the start. This establishes a higher benchmark for what a modern crossover should be and provides undeniable value at every level.

Pricing and Trim Levels for the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2025 Honda CR-V:

When you compare the facts, the verdict is clear. While the Honda CR-V is a capable vehicle, the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano is unequivocally the superior choice for the buyer seeking a modern, powerful, and premium crossover. The Murano's vastly more powerful standard engine, its technologically dominant standard infotainment system, and its unmatched level of available first-class luxury and comfort place it in a class of its own. It delivers more power, more technology, and more sophistication at every level.

For the driver who refuses to compromise, the Murano offers a more engaging driving experience, a more luxurious cabin, and more advanced technology from the moment you get behind the wheel. At Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers, we confidently recommend the 2025 Nissan Murano as the intelligent choice for those who demand more from their vehicle.