VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
241hp @ 5600
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
260lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Nissan Murano is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Nissan Murano produces 241hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Sorento returns 24 mpg est. while the Murano uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,890 for the Sorento 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)
281hp @ 5800
241hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
260lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
18.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
192.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
78in
Height (in)
66.7in
67.9in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
111.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4211lbs
4290lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
—
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
KIA Sorento
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Murano
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Nissan Murano
Lower starting price ($41,670)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Murano?
The Sorento gets 24 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 Sorento or Murano?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Murano delivers 241hp @ 5600 and 260lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Murano?
The Sorento starts from $43,890 and the Murano from $41,670. The Murano is cheaper by $2,220 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Murano?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Murano can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento 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.