Nissan Murano and Toyota Crown Signia Compared
The latest face‑off between the new Nissan Murano and the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia pits an up‑start SUV against a seasoned semi‑premium wagon‑crossover, and the Toyota emerged as the clear winner in the test.
Styling and exterior cues
The Murano keeps its signature 21‑inch wheels and a roofline that borrows a chrome blade from the Z‑series, giving it a bold silhouette despite a slightly shorter overall length of 193 inches. Its rear lights feature a cluster of tiny LEDs that look almost French, though the glare fades at sharp angles.
By contrast, the Crown Signia adopts Toyota’s corporate front end seen on the Prius and Camry, presenting a raised‑wagon shape rather than a traditional SUV profile. The design feels more subdued, reminiscent of an older Subaru Outback, and it lacks the aggressive nose that the Murano displays.
Both models offer a panoramic roof, but the Murano’s roof is darker and more integrated, while the Toyota’s glass panel is brighter and includes a dedicated headlight washer button—a small touch that often goes unnoticed.
Cabin appointments and comfort
Inside the Murano, the dashboard is dominated by a color‑changing trim inspired by the island that lends the vehicle its name, paired with wooden‑style touch controls borrowed from the Ariya. The front seats feature Nissan’s Zero Gravity technology, heating, ventilation and an optional massage function.
The Toyota’s interior leans on rose‑gold accents across the dash, door handles and vents. Soft‑touch door sills extend to the rear doors, and the rear seats receive as much attention as the front, offering ample legroom and a panoramic moonroof that brightens the cabin.
While the Murano’s rear seat cushions feel stiffer and the material quality dips slightly, its cargo space is about 30 % larger, providing nearly 40 cubic feet of flat floor when the second‑row seats stay upright.
In practice, the extra legroom and airy feel of the Crown Signia’s rear make long trips more comfortable, even though the space isn’t as expansive as the Murano’s. The wagon‑like roofline gives the rear a sense of openness that the SUV’s higher roof can’t match.
For everyday users, the Murano’s twin‑screen infotainment offers more functions, yet its navigation graphics feel dated. The Toyota’s system is cleaner but less intuitive, though it includes a wireless phone charger that actually holds devices in place.
Powertrain, acceleration and handling
The Murano trades its long‑standing V6 for a 2.0‑liter turbo‑four paired with a nine‑speed automatic, delivering 241 hp and 260 lb‑ft of torque. The engine feels robust, but the transmission can be hesitant, sometimes holding high revs when the driver snaps the throttle.
The Crown Signia relies on a 2.5‑liter hybrid system with a gasoline engine, electric motor and an additional rear‑axle motor for on‑demand all‑wheel drive. Combined output is 240 hp, with torque that likely exceeds the Murano’s, though exact figures weren’t disclosed.
During straight‑line tests, the Nissan’s acceleration lagged just enough for the Toyota to pull ahead, especially when the hybrid battery was fully charged. When the Murano’s battery dips, its power delivery feels ordinary, while the Toyota maintains a steadier pull.
On corners, the Crown Signia feels lighter than its curb weight of just over 4,200 lb suggests, thanks to a 6.7‑inch ground clearance and responsive steering. The Murano, weighing a few hundred pounds more, offers a firm ride but transmits more road noise and feels less communicative through the wheel.
Both vehicles brake smoothly, yet the Nissan’s suspension is noisier over uneven surfaces, whereas the Toyota’s setup feels more settled under hard cornering.
Fuel consumption, pricing and value
Official fuel‑economy ratings show a stark contrast: the Murano averages 23 mpg (9.7 L/100 km) in Canada, while the Crown Signia claims 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, translating to roughly 6.1–6.3 L/100 km.
The hybrid wins on efficiency.
In the United States, the Toyota starts at $45,585 including destination, with the test vehicle priced around $51,850. The Murano’s base price is $51,795, but adding the contrasting roof or tech package pushes it above the Toyota’s cost.
Canadian pricing is tighter. The Crown Signia begins at $59,380 CAD and tested at $61,455 CAD. The Murano, initially slated for $56,828 CAD, now lists near $60,848 CAD after tariffs, narrowing the gap but still trailing in fuel efficiency.
For buyers focused on long‑term operating costs, the hybrid’s superior mileage offers a clear advantage, especially given the Murano’s heavier weight and less efficient powertrain.
Overall, the Toyota’s blend of refined interior, better fuel economy and smoother driving feel gives it the edge in this segment, while the Murano provides a more spacious cargo area and a distinctive design language that may appeal to style‑conscious shoppers.
