The latest showdown between the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Crown Signia offers a close look at two vehicles that occupy the semi‑premium two‑row SUV niche.
Exterior styling and first impressions
The Murano arrives with a refreshed silhouette that retains its signature 21‑inch wheels. Its roofline blade, borrowed from the Z model, adds a hint of chrome that catches the eye, especially at the D‑pillar. The taillights, densely packed with tiny LEDs, give a French‑inspired flair, though they lose some sparkle when viewed from an angle.
By contrast, the Crown Signia resembles a raised wagon more than a traditional SUV. Its shape mirrors the corporate front end seen on recent Prius and Camry models, presenting a lower roofline and a side‑window profile that feels more sedan‑like. The overall look is less aggressive, aligning it with the older Subaru Outback style.
Interior quality and comfort
Inside the Murano, the dashboard features a color‑changing trim that nods to the island from which the name derives. Below it sit smooth wooden‑tone controls, reminiscent of those in the Ariya, offering a modern feel despite lacking the tactile feedback of conventional buttons. Blue semi‑aniline leather and detailed front‑seat quilting raise the cabin’s feel, edging close to premium‑brand standards.
The Crown Signia’s cabin leans on rose‑gold accents across the dash, door handles, and vents. Soft‑touch door sills extend the premium vibe to rear occupants, whose seat space feels as upscale as the front. A digital driver information center blends into the infotainment screen, creating a clean layout that many reviewers find appealing.
While the Murano’s front seats boast Nissan’s Zero‑Gravity technology, heating, ventilation and an optional massage function, the rear seat area suffers from a slight reduction in headroom and a firmer cushion. The Crown Signia, despite a lower headroom figure on paper, provides a more airy rear environment thanks to larger side windows and a panoramic moonroof.
For everyday users, the Murano’s cargo capacity stands out, offering roughly 40 cubic feet of flat load floor—about 30 percent more than the Crown Signia when the second‑row seats remain upright. That extra space could be useful for families loading gear for a weekend trip.
Powertrains and performance
The new Murano replaces its long‑standing V6 with a 2.0‑liter turbo‑four paired with a nine‑speed automatic. It delivers 241 horsepower and 260 lb‑ft of torque, figures that sit comfortably in the segment. However, reviewers note the transmission can feel hesitant, with sudden downshifts that keep the engine at high revs during quick throttle inputs.
The Crown Signia relies on a 2.5‑liter hybrid system that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors driving both axles. Official output is 240 horsepower, and while torque isn’t disclosed, it appears to exceed the Murano’s in real‑world testing. Fuel economy favors the Toyota, with EPA estimates of 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, far ahead of the Murano’s 23 mpg combined.
Both models feature all‑wheel drive, but the Crown Signia’s system is tuned more for stability than outright cornering agility. The Murano, weighing over 4,200 pounds, feels heavier on the road, and its ride can become noisy on rough surfaces.
Technology offerings differ as well. The Murano’s infotainment screen is larger and supports a range of functions, though its navigation graphics lag behind modern standards. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.1, part of a $2,700 tech package, adds hands‑free driving assistance. The Crown Signia includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a double‑pane moonroof, and a clever wireless phone charger that holds devices securely while charging.
Both vehicles target similar buyers.
From a practical standpoint, the Murano’s higher price in the United States—around $51,800 with destination—puts it above the Crown Signia’s starting price of $45,585. In Canada, the Murano’s price hovers near $60,800 CAD after tariffs, while the Crown Signia begins at $59,380 CAD.
The Murano’s emphasis on a wellness‑oriented cabin, complete with quiet refinement and a suite of driver‑assist features, may appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable, tech‑rich ride. Yet the Crown Signia’s superior fuel efficiency and more refined handling could sway those prioritizing long‑term operating costs and a smoother driving experience.
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