Mid-Size SUV Showdown: 2025 Nissan Murano vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

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.

2025 Nissan Murano Trim Lineup

The Murano offers a focused lineup of three premium trims, ensuring a high level of standard features on every model.

2025 Toyota Highlander Trim Lineup

The Highlander offers a wide and complex array of eleven different gas and hybrid trims.

The Highlander lineup begins with the LE trim, which offers a strong engine and an 8-inch touchscreen for a starting MSRP of $40,320. To get features like SofTex®-trimmed heated seats or a larger 12.3-inch screen, buyers must step up to the XLE or Limited trims, which range from approximately $43,000 to over $47,000. This approach allows for many configurations, including several efficient hybrid models. Nissan, however, takes a different approach. The Murano SV starts at $40,470 and immediately provides a premium experience. It comes standard with heated leatherette seats and a stunning dual 12.3-inch display system-features that require significant upgrades in the Highlander. This highlights a fundamental difference in philosophy. For a nearly identical starting price, the Murano SV delivers a level of comfort and technology that Toyota reserves for its mid-to-high-tier models. Nissan prioritizes a high-tech, luxurious experience from the very beginning, delivering undeniable value across its focused and transparent trim structure.

Please note: Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are subject to change and exclude destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options. For the most current and accurate pricing, we advise you to consult the official manufacturer's website.

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 meticulous 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. Even the rear wiper is cleverly concealed to maintain the clean, uninterrupted lines of the tailgate. This is a vehicle designed not just for function, but for visual impact.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander, in contrast, presents a traditional and family-focused design that is practical but conventional. While it features standard LED lighting, it lacks the Murano's bespoke, high-fashion details. This premium feel is further amplified by the Murano's larger standard 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, with stunning 21-inch machine-finished wheels on the Platinum trim. These are significantly larger and more stylish than the 18-inch alloy wheels found on most Highlander models, giving the Murano a more substantial and commanding stance right from the start.

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 and is not an option on the Highlander.

Finally, this premium design is complemented by superior convenience. While both vehicles offer an available moonroof, the Murano's is a vast panoramic moonroof that bathes both rows of seats in natural light, an option available on the popular SL trim. The Highlander reserves its panoramic roof exclusively for its most expensive Platinum trim. Furthermore, the Murano's available motion-activated power liftgate makes accessing the cargo area effortless when your hands are full. While the Highlander is a functional three-row SUV, the Murano is unapologetically focused on delivering a more stylish, premium two-row experience, designed to feel more special in every interaction.

The 2025 Toyota Highlander comes standard with a powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a capable 8-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain is well-suited for heavy-duty tasks, as evidenced by its 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it a strong choice for those with significant hauling needs.

While the Highlander focuses on raw power, the 2025 Nissan Murano prioritizes a more sophisticated and responsive driving experience. Every Murano is powered by an advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo® (Variable Compression Turbo) engine that delivers an impressive 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This is not a conventional turbo engine; it has the unique ability to intelligently adapt its compression ratio on the fly, optimizing for either instant acceleration or maximum efficiency depending on your input. This advanced engine is paired with a modern, smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination is engineered to provide a smarter, more responsive feel, particularly in city driving where immediate feedback is most noticeable. While the Highlander offers ample power for towing, the Murano's powertrain is built for a more refined, engaging, and technically advanced daily driving experience.

The Toyota Highlander offers a comfortable and functional cabin, starting with cloth seats and an 8-inch touchscreen on its LE trim. To access more premium features like SofTex® or leather trim, heated and ventilated seats, or the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, buyers must upgrade to the more expensive XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims.

In stark contrast, the Nissan Murano provides a first-class experience as the standard. The most striking feature on every Murano, including the entry-level SV, is the standard dual 12.3-inch display system. This seamless, high-tech wall of information and entertainment completely outclasses the Highlander's standard 8-inch screen and matches the screen size Toyota reserves for its top-tier models.

Beyond the screens, the Murano continues to offer a level of luxury and thoughtful engineering the Highlander simply cannot match. Every Murano comes standard with Nissan's exclusive Zero Gravity front seats, which use a research-backed design to help reduce fatigue on long drives. Furthermore, the Murano SV comes standard with heated, premium leatherette seats-a level of comfort that requires an upgrade to the more expensive XLE trim on the Highlander.

The pinnacle of the Murano's advantage lies in features that elevate it to a true luxury category. For ultimate 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 Highlander 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 Highlander provides a well-equipped interior on its highest trims, the 2025 Nissan Murano delivers a demonstrably more advanced, more luxurious, and more personalized environment from the very start.

Both the 2025 Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander are equipped with strong standard safety suites-Nissan Safety Shield 360 and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, 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 Toyota Highlander offers the capable Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ suite, which includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. This system is designed to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. The 2025 Nissan Murano, however, offers the available 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 via its navigation link. This creates a smoother, more relaxing, and more intuitive driving experience on long journeys.

Furthermore, while the Highlander offers an available Panoramic View Monitor with a 360-degree overhead view, 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.

While both vehicles are strong contenders, our professional recommendation at Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers goes to the 2025 Nissan Murano. It delivers exceptional value by providing a dominant standard technology interface and premium comfort features like heated seats from the very start. For the buyer seeking a modern, two-row premium crossover experience with exclusive luxuries like massaging seats, the Murano is the clear and intelligent choice over the more conventional, family-hauling Highlander.

Experience the Difference

The best way to understand the advantages of the Murano is from behind the wheel. Feel its responsive power and interact with its premium cabin for yourself. We invite you to visit Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers to see what makes this vehicle so special. Schedule your test drive today.