2021 Nissan Murano vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Nissan Murano and 2021 Toyota Highlander 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 2021 Nissan Murano and the 2021 Toyota Highlander.
In comparing the 2021 Nissan Murano's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Nissan Murano has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Nissan Murano and 2021 Toyota Highlander have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Nissan Murano's and the 2021 Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Murano.
Pricing: A used 2021 Nissan Murano ranges from $18,994 to $31,949 while a used 2021 Toyota Highlander is priced between $28,476 to $41,439.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Nissan Murano loses 51.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Toyota Highlander loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Toyota Highlander retains 12 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Nissan Murano.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Murano is 8.6 out of 10 while the Toyota Highlander's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Murano being ranked 13 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Toyota Highlander being ranked 10 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Nissan Murano is ranked 16 and the Toyota Highlander is ranked 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Murano is 8.4 out of 10. For the Toyota Highlander the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Highlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Murano.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Nissan Murano’s base engine makes 260 horsepower, and the 2021 Toyota Highlander base engine makes 295 horsepower. Both the Murano and the Highlander are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 532 and 501 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Toyota Highlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room and rear leg room. The 2021 Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Nissan Murano and the 2021 Toyota Highlander have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,810
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$35,085
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,840
Price Range:
$18,994 - $31,949
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
526
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
47,982
# Good or Great Deals:
222
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,853
Price Range:
$28,476 - $41,439
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,516
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
56,976
# Good or Great Deals:
554
Nissan Murano Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Nissan Murano
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
67.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Nissan Murano Rankings
Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
46 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 59Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 18Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 59Summary 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 Toyota Highlander is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
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
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Third-row space a bit cramped
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Nissan Murano Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
2021 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
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:
2 years
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 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):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
380 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 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
Parking Sensors:
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
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
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
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
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:
58.9 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:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3833 lbs
Width:
75.4 inches
Height:
67.8 inches
Length:
192.8 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 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:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black Pearl
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White Tricoat
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Brown
Opulent Amber
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite