At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
241hp @ 5600
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
260lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the Nissan Murano is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the Nissan Murano produces 241hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Pilot returns 22 mpg est. while the Murano uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $46,595 for the Pilot and $41,670 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)
285hp @ 6100
241hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
260lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.0 L/122ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
192.9in
Width (in)
78.5in
78in
Height (in)
70.9in
67.9in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4528lbs
4290lbs
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
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
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Murano
Value
Murano
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Nissan Murano
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,670)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Murano?
The Pilot 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 Pilot or Murano?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Murano delivers 241hp @ 5600 and 260lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Pilot is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Murano?
The Pilot starts from $46,595 and the Murano from $41,670. The Murano is cheaper by $4,925 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Murano?
The Pilot 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 Pilot 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.