Nissan Murano vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Murano and Subaru Outback 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 Nissan Murano and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Nissan Murano's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Murano's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Nissan Murano.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Murano ranges from $41,396 to $52,725 while a used 2025 Subaru Outback is priced between $28,999 to $40,745. For a new model, the Nissan Murano's price is between $40,616 and $52,925, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,586 and $46,228.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Murano loses 55.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 12 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 Nissan Murano is 7.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Murano being ranked 26 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 11 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Murano is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Murano.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Murano’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Murano is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 505 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Murano. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Murano, a crossover/midsize SUV, 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 cargo space. The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Murano and the Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40616 - 52925
Starting MSRP:
40470
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32586 - 46228
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46829
Price Range:
41396 - 52725
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34524
Price Range:
28999 - 40745
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
22594
Depreciation %:
0.55829925
Resale Value $:
17876
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Nissan Murano Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Murano
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.164
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.7683963938935428
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.448465751878131
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
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 / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 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 Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
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
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Murano Trim Levels
Platinum, SL, SV
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
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:
241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
393 / 505 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
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:
Available
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:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.5 inches
Cargo Space:
32.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4193 lbs
Width:
87.7 inches
Height:
67.9 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Everest White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Graphite
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
