VS
At a Glance
Power
241hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque
260lb-ft @ 4400
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Nissan Murano and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Murano delivers 241hp @ 5600 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Murano returns 24 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,670 for the Murano and $41,595 for the Forester. 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)
241hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-ft @ 4400
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.7gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
192.9in
183.3in
Width (in)
78in
72in
Height (in)
67.9in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
111.2in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4290lbs
3664lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
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
—
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
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Murano
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Murano
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,595)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Murano or Forester?
The Murano gets 24 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Murano or Forester?
The Murano produces 241hp @ 5600 and 260lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Murano is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Murano and Forester?
The Murano starts from $41,670 and the Forester from $41,595, a difference of just $75, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Murano or Forester?
The Murano has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Murano or the Forester?
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.