If you’re searching for a sport utility vehicle that offers all-day comfort along with an abundance of amenities, you simply cannot go wrong with either the Nissan Murano or the Ford Explorer.
There can be no doubt that both of these vehicles have a lot to offer to drivers who spend their time commuting around Jenkintown, Abington, Glenside, and Philadelphia. However, only one of them can be the right SUV for you.
As a way to help you decide on which one that will be, our team has put together this Nissan Murano vs. Ford Explorer comparison. While you’re reading along, you will have the opportunity to discover the similarities as well as the differences between each of these midsize SUVs.
We want you to know that you’re welcome to contact us at Faulkner Nissan Jenkintown if you have any questions pertaining to the following information. We will be happy to help you out by getting those answered for you right away.
Nissan MURANO VS FORD EXPLORER PERFORMANCE SPECS
The Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer each offer smooth rides and composed handling. Because of this, they’re both great commuter cars. However, the Murano may be better for your longer drives due to the fact that it is quite fuel efficient. To show you exactly what we mean, here are the fuel economy specs for both vehicles:

Nissan Murano
City: EPA-Estimated 20 MPG *
Highway: EPA-Estimated 28 MPG
Ford Explorer
City: EPA-Estimated 20 MPG
Highway: EPA-Estimated 27 MPG
When equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Murano is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 20 city/28 highway MPG.*
While the Ford Explorer does come close to the type of efficiency that you get out of the Nissan Murano, its EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG simply falls short. As a result, your commute might run a little long because of regularly having to stop at the gas station to fill up on fuel.
Furthermore, because the Explorer feels bigger than others in the class, you may find that maneuvering through a parking lot is going to pose a bit more of a challenge.
City: EPA-Estimated 20 MPG *
Highway: EPA-Estimated 28 MPG
Ford Explorer
City: EPA-Estimated 20 MPG
Highway: EPA-Estimated 27 MPG
When equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine and an Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Murano is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 20 city/28 highway MPG.*
While the Ford Explorer does come close to the type of efficiency that you get out of the Nissan Murano, its EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway MPG simply falls short. As a result, your commute might run a little long because of regularly having to stop at the gas station to fill up on fuel.
Furthermore, because the Explorer feels bigger than others in the class, you may find that maneuvering through a parking lot is going to pose a bit more of a challenge.

THE SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
When you get behind the wheel of the vehicle that you end up choosing, you likely want to be certain that it has you covered in terms of safety attributes. The Murano certainly has your back in this regard. Take a look at the following list to examine a few of the key highlights that successfully set it apart from the Explorer within this category:
Unfortunately, you’re not going to have any of these useful safety features to help you out while you’re in the driver’s seat of the Ford Explorer.
- Rear Sonar System. When you’re backing in or out of a parking spot at work or at the grocery store, the available Rear Sonar System can be quite a valuable parking aide. It lets you know if your rear bumper is getting too close to another vehicle. This feature is activated the moment the SUV is placed in the reverse gear.
- Traffic Sign Recognition. The Traffic Sign Recognition is another available feature. This one provides you with a clear picture of upcoming traffic signs on your dashboard display. With its help, you will be able to anticipate any changes coming your way up ahead in the road ahead of time.
- Intelligent Driver Alertness. The Intelligent Driver Alertness feature comes standard in the Nissan Murano. This feature is able to detect the sort of driving behavior that’s caused by drowsiness and brings to your attention that your ability to maintain your concentration might be compromised.
- As a result, you’re able to decide whether or not it’s a good time to pull over and get some much-needed rest. This feature can be quite useful during longer trips or when you find yourself driving late at night.
- Rear Door Alert. The Rear Door Alert is a standard aspect of the Nissan Murano. It kicks into action when the back doors have been opened and shut at the beginning of a drive.
Unfortunately, you’re not going to have any of these useful safety features to help you out while you’re in the driver’s seat of the Ford Explorer.
MURANO VS EXPLORER: INTERIOR DESIGN & AMENITIES
Both of these sport utility vehicles are roomy with comfortable seats. However, the Nissan Murano feels like a luxury SUV because of its upscale cabin that’s filled with high-end soft-touch materials.
Plus, it has Zero Gravity seats that are inspired by NASA. They contour the body, creating a weightless feel for all-day comfort.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is a solid SUV with a nice design. It’s not as refined as the Nissan Murano. While the seats are comfortable, they are nothing like the Zero Gravity seats that you’re going to find inside the Nissan model.
Nevertheless, each vehicle offers plenty of amenities to help keep you and all of your passengers comfortable and content. For starters, both the Nissan Murano and the Ford Explorer supply you and your passengers with heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear outboard seats. These are there when it’s necessary to combat the harsher temperatures that you can encounter during those winter months.
The Murano goes a step further by also offering the Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control as an available feature. With its help, you can look forward to entering a cabin that’s all warmed up and ready to go in the event that you’re running late or simply getting an earlier start to the day.
Plus, it has Zero Gravity seats that are inspired by NASA. They contour the body, creating a weightless feel for all-day comfort.
The Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is a solid SUV with a nice design. It’s not as refined as the Nissan Murano. While the seats are comfortable, they are nothing like the Zero Gravity seats that you’re going to find inside the Nissan model.
Nevertheless, each vehicle offers plenty of amenities to help keep you and all of your passengers comfortable and content. For starters, both the Nissan Murano and the Ford Explorer supply you and your passengers with heated and ventilated front seats as well as heated rear outboard seats. These are there when it’s necessary to combat the harsher temperatures that you can encounter during those winter months.
The Murano goes a step further by also offering the Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control as an available feature. With its help, you can look forward to entering a cabin that’s all warmed up and ready to go in the event that you’re running late or simply getting an earlier start to the day.

Nissan MURANO VS FORD EXPLORER: THE RESULTS ARE IN
The Ford Explorer is no doubt an impressive motor vehicle. However, the Nissan Murano is more fuel efficient and stylish, plus it comes standard with more technologies.
If you want to experience this midsize SUV near Philadelphia, Jenkintown, Abington, or Glenside, don’t wait. Schedule a test drive at Faulkner Nissan Jenkintown today!
* 2021 EPA fuel economy estimates. 20 city MPG /28 highway MPG / 23 Combined MPG for Murano®. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
If you want to experience this midsize SUV near Philadelphia, Jenkintown, Abington, or Glenside, don’t wait. Schedule a test drive at Faulkner Nissan Jenkintown today!
* 2021 EPA fuel economy estimates. 20 city MPG /28 highway MPG / 23 Combined MPG for Murano®. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.