Ford Explorer vs. Nissan Murano
In comparing the Ford Explorer to the Nissan Murano, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Nissan Murano, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Nissan Murano.
Ford Explorer versus Nissan Murano Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Ford Explorer ranges from $25,524 to $40,893 while a used Nissan Murano from the same model year range is priced between $22,988 to $36,042. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $39,880 and $61,047, with the Nissan Murano priced between $35,875 and $50,207.
Ford Explorer versus Nissan Murano Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10 while the Nissan Murano's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs and the Nissan Murano being ranked 9 out of 25. Out of 15 Best Midsize SUVs for the Money, the Ford Explorer is ranked 15 and the Nissan Murano is ranked 9. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs while the Nissan Murano is ranked 13 out of 61. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 28 Best Crossover SUVs for the Money while the Nissan Murano is ranked 12 out of 28.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Nissan Murano base engine makes 260 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Murano has the advantage in the area of trunk space.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance and payload capacity than the Nissan Murano.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Murano, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.90 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Murano have the same Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$39,880 - $61,047
Used Asking Price:
$25,524 - $40,893
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$35,875 - $50,207
Used Asking Price:
$22,988 - $36,042
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
49.8%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.5 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
43 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
9 out of / 61Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
12 out of / 28Ranking
13 out of / 61Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
27 out of / 61Ranking
46 out of / 61Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Base, Limited, ST-Line, ST, Platinum, King Ranch, Police Interceptor Utility, XLT, Timberline
Trim Levels
S, SV, SL, Platinum
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.90 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3865 lbs
Width:
75.4 inches
Height:
67.8 inches
Length:
192.8 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
