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.
In comparing the Nissan Murano's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Murano has the advantage in the areas of overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and interior volume. 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: For a new model, the Nissan Murano's price is between $38,981 and $50,958, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,899 and $42,165.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Murano loses 51.2 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 11.9 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Murano being ranked 16 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 18 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Murano is 8.4 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.6 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 260 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Murano, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder 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:
$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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,899 - $42,165
Starting MSRP:
$28,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
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:
448
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
11,678
# Good or Great Deals:
68
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
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%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,628
Depreciation %:
40.2%
Resale Value $:
$17,267
Residual Value %:
59.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
Nissan Murano Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
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 / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 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:
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:
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):
0.067 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:
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
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):
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
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
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
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
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
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:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
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:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
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:
58.9 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:
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:
3892 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:
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:
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:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Ocean Blue Pearl
Gray
Boulder Gray Pearl / Gun Metallic
Red
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White TriCoat
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
Beige
Cashmere
Black
Graphite
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Slate Black
