At a Glance
Power
400hp @ 5500
241hp @ 5600
Torque
415lb-ft @ 3500
260lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Murano is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 400hp @ 5500 while the Nissan Murano produces 241hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Explorer returns 22 mpg est. while the Murano uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $56,905 for the Explorer and $46,760 for the Murano. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
400hp @ 5500
241hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
415lb-ft @ 3500
260lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (2025)mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20.2gal
18.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
192.9in
Width (in)
78.9in
78in
Height (in)
69.8in
67.9in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4766lbs
4355lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Murano
Value
Murano
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Murano
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($46,760)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Murano?
The Explorer gets 22 mpg est. and the Murano gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Murano is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Murano?
The Explorer produces 400hp @ 5500 and 415lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Murano delivers 241hp @ 5600 and 260lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Murano?
The Explorer starts from $56,905 and the Murano from $46,760. The Murano is cheaper by $10,145 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Murano?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Murano can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Murano?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.