VS
At a Glance
Power
241hp @ 5600
180hp @ 5800
Torque
260lb-ft @ 4400
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
2700lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Nissan Murano and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Murano delivers 241hp @ 5600 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Murano returns 24 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,670 for the Murano and $41,715 for the Outback. 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 @ 4400
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
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.7gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
192.9in
191.7in
Width (in)
78in
74in
Height (in)
67.9in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
111.2in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4290lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
2700lbs
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
Subaru Outback
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Murano
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Tied
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Nissan Murano
Lower starting price ($41,670)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (2700lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Murano or Outback?
The Murano gets 24 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback 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 Outback?
The Murano produces 241hp @ 5600 and 260lb-ft @ 4400 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Murano is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Murano and Outback?
The Murano starts from $41,670 and the Outback from $41,715, a difference of just $45, 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 Outback?
The Murano has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Murano or the Outback?
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.