2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Nissan Murano

At a Glance: 2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Nissan Murano

• Base Engine

  • 2026 Subaru Outback: 2.5L BOXER 4-cyl, 180 hp

  • 2026 Nissan Murano: 2.0L VC-Turbo, 241 hp

• EPA MPG (City/Hwy/Combined)

  • Subaru: 25/31/27

  • Nissan: 21/27/23

• AWD

  • Subaru: Subaru Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims

  • Nissan: Nissan Intelligent AWD (standard 2026)

• Ground Clearance

  • Subaru: 8.7 in. (9.5 in. Wilderness)

  • Nissan: 8.3 in.

• Cargo (Seats Up)

  • Subaru: 34.6 cu. ft.

  • Nissan: 32.9 cu. Ft.

• Max Cargo (Seats Down)

  • Subaru: 80.5 cu. ft.

  • Nissan: 63.5 cu. Ft.

• Rear Legroom

  • Subaru: 39.5 in.

  • Nissan: 36.3 in.

• Max Towing

  • Subaru: 3,500 lbs

  • Nissan: 1,500 lbs

• Roof System

  • Subaru: Standard integrated crossbars

  • Nissan: Rails only

• Off-Road Mode

  • Subaru: X-MODE® standard 

  • Nissan: None

• Touchscreen

  • Subaru: 12.1 in. (all trims)

  • Nissan: 12.3 in. (all trims)

• Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto

  • Subaru: Standard all trims

  • Nissan: Standard all trims

Which SUV Has Better AWD and Off-Road Capability?

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is engineered specifically around the low center-of-gravity Subaru BOXER® engine. Symmetrical AWD delivers power to all four wheels in real time, continuously evaluating acceleration, braking, and cornering. Standard X-MODE® is Subaru's terrain-management system optimizing AWD traction across settings for snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud, along with Hill Descent Control. 

The 2026 Subaru Outback also brings 8.7 inches of ground clearance standard (rising to 9.5 inches on the Wilderness trim). The 2026 Nissan Murano does not have the off-road-ready design that the 2026 Subaru Outback brings to the table. Prominent reviews of Nissan’s SUV don’t mention offroading. There is no X-MODE equivalent with terrain- management modes or hill-descent control. For buyers who want genuine all-weather, all-terrain confidence, the 2026 Subaru Outback is the one to go with.

What Car Is More Practical for Cargo Space?

If you are considering either of these vehicles for driving beyond your daily commute, you likely want the space of an SUV with the ability to handle outdoor adventures. The 2026 Subaru Outback is roomier than the 2026 Nissan Murano. If you want to load up mountain bikes, luggage, or a weekend's worth of camping gear, the 2026 Subaru Outback is the one to go with. 

The 2026 Subaru Outback's integrated roof crossbar system adds a layer of practicality with standard full crossbars. It should handle 800-pound static / 220-pound dynamic load. As well as roof tents, kayaks, cargo boxes, and ski racks. The 2026 Nissan Murano offers roof rails but requires separate crossbar purchases to carry a significant load.

Which SUV Has Better Safety Technology?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has a pre-collision and post-collision safety system as part of the standard Subaru Eyesight® Driver Assist Technology, which also includes: 

• Blind-spot warning

• Front and rear-view camera 

• Emergency-braking assist

• Lane-departure warning 

• lane-keeping assistance. 

The 2026 Nissan Murano includes Nissan's Safety Shield® 360 suite, which covers emergency-braking assist, blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist 2.1 hands-free driving is available.

Subaru’s Touring and Touring XT trims add EyeSight® Highway Hands-Free Assist and Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection. Subaru is also the Consumer Reports Best Overall Automotive Brand for the second consecutive year. This rating reflects safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction. What gives the 2026 Subaru Outback the edge in the safety category are the offroading features.

2026 Subaru Outback vs. 2026 Nissan Murano: Which Wins?

The 2026 Subaru Outback outperforms across every practical real-world metric that most buyers care about: fuel economy, cargo space, towing capacity, off-road capability, AWD quality, rear passenger room, and long-term value. It sets the standard for what an adventure-ready midsize SUV should be.

Ready to Experience the All-New 2026 Subaru Outback?

The completely redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback is available to test drive at Neil Huffman Subaru of Louisville, Kentucky. This SUV is bolder, more capable, and more thoughtfully equipped than ever. Visit us today to explore every trim, from the value-packed Premium to the trail-ready Wilderness, and find the 2026 Subaru Outback that matches your life.

Schedule your test drive with Neil Huffman Subaru.