Hyundai SANTA FE vs. Nissan Murano
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE and Nissan Murano 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 Hyundai SANTA FE and the Nissan Murano.
In comparing the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Nissan Murano's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SANTA FE's and the Nissan Murano's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the Nissan Murano.
Pricing: A used 2024 Hyundai SANTA FE ranges from $35,754 to $50,129 while a used 2024 Nissan Murano is priced between $35,982 to $48,258. For a new model, the Hyundai SANTA FE's price is between $36,405 and $50,125, with the Nissan Murano priced between $38,981 and $50,958.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 45.7 percent of its value and the Nissan Murano loses 51.2 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA FE retains 5.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Murano.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Murano's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 3 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Nissan Murano being ranked 13 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 6 and the Nissan Murano is ranked 16.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SANTA FE is 8.6 out of 10. For the Nissan Murano the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Murano.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SANTA FE’s base engine makes 277 horsepower, and the Nissan Murano base engine makes 260 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room cargo space. The Hyundai SANTA FE and Nissan Murano are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Hyundai SANTA FE and the Nissan Murano have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$36,405 - $50,125
Starting MSRP:
$33,950
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,981 - $50,958
Starting MSRP:
$38,740
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,365
Price Range:
$35,754 - $50,129
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,513
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,442
# Good or Great Deals:
299
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$41,887
Price Range:
$35,982 - $48,258
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
485
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
10,334
# Good or Great Deals:
71
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,611
Depreciation %:
46%
Resale Value $:
$18,339
Residual Value %:
54%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$20,076
Depreciation %:
51.8%
Resale Value $:
$18,664
Residual Value %:
48.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Nissan Murano Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Murano
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 39Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
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1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
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3 out of / 67Ranking
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3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
18 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Nissan 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 / 67Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
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
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows 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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Nissan Murano Trim Levels
Platinum, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
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:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
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:
277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
240 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
354 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
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:
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
166.6 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:
4343 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
67.7 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3892 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 alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black Pearl
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray Metallic
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Boulder Gray Pearl / Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White TriCoat
Blue
Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
Red
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Gray
Not available
Beige
Cashmere
