2018 Nissan Murano vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Nissan Murano and 2018 Mazda CX-5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Nissan Murano and the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
In comparing the 2018 Nissan Murano's and the 2018 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Nissan Murano's and the 2018 Mazda CX-5's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a better car than the 2018 Nissan Murano.
Pricing: A used 2018 Nissan Murano ranges from $11,192 to $21,990 while a used 2018 Mazda CX-5 is priced between $13,408 to $22,220.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Nissan Murano loses 55.3 percent of its value and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 loses 42.4 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Mazda CX-5 retains 12.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Nissan Murano.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Murano is 7.7 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-5's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Murano being ranked 26 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Mazda CX-5 being ranked 5 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Murano is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-5 the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-5 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Murano.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Nissan Murano’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 base engine makes 187 horsepower. The Murano is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 532 miles. The CX-5 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles.This gives the 2018 Mazda CX-5 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Nissan Murano the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Nissan Murano, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2018 Mazda CX-5, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2018 Nissan Murano and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22995 - 34810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
24150
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
24370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
22550 - 27895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
16852
Price Range:
11192 - 21990
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
19664
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
12459 - 31292
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
327
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91572
# Good or Great Deals:
123
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
17904
Price Range:
13408 - 22220
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
16311
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
12871 - 23031
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
481
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
81423
# Good or Great Deals:
144
Nissan Murano Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Mazda CX-5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Nissan Murano
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.164
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mazda CX-5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6 - 8.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.263
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.9631628050488679
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.0 - 15.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4329058757395607
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 14.0
Nissan Murano Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 32Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 56Ranking
53 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Mazda CX-5 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 56Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Summary Review
Nissan’s two-row Murano crossover targets those buyers looking for comfort and style. Unlike many SUV-style vehicles in this segment, the Murano is more like a large sedan than its peers.
Summary Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for five and a reputation as a favorite for drivers. The current Mazda CX-5 was redesigned for the 2017 model year, with new models costing an average of $32,211 and recent models averaging $23,771.
Pros and Cons
- Plush interior
- Smooth V6 engine
- Dynamic styling
- Starting to show its age
- Needs an infotainment update
- No green (hybrid/electric) trims now available
Pros and Cons
- Dynamic driving experience
- Near-luxury interior design and materials
- Available 250-hp turbo engine on newer models
- No hybrid available
- Fuel economy lags class leaders
- Non-turbo models could use more power
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Nissan Murano Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
2018 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, Sport, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
186 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
399 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.8 inches
Cargo Space:
32.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
30.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
59.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3768 lbs
Width:
75.4 inches
Height:
67.8 inches
Length:
192.4 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
72.5 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
179.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black
Blue
Arctic Blue Metallic
Brown
Java Metallic
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Cayenne Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Pearl White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Eternal Blue Mica
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Sonic Silver Metallic
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Interior Colors
Black
Black