2023 Toyota Venza vs. Nissan Murano

Comparison

While both the Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano are exceptional mid-size SUVs. Standard all-wheel drive, Toyota’s legendary safety features, and an excellent maintenance plan give the Toyota Venza strong legs to stand on. An extensive suite of luxury comfort features and pleasantly surprising practicality help the Toyota Venza prove itself.

The 3rd and current generation of the Nissan Murano has been around since 2015. While the motivation behind Nissan opting to go this long without a generation update remains unseen, what’s clear is that Nissan believed the Murano’s design was way ahead of its time (in 2015). Imbued with modern technology, a refined Xtronic transmission, and a slew of safety features, the 2023 Nissan Murano vies for a spot in this hyper-competitive midsize SUV segment.

The Toyota Venza is a vehicle for people who want more out of their cars, and those looking for a luxe experience without neglecting practicality. Sleek lines, a handsome front fascia, and a neat electrochromic fixed glass roof adorn the Venza with a wow factor previously confined to luxury cars. Throw in its fuel-sipping hybrid engine, a surprisingly attractive price point, and Toyota’s legendary reputation for building and maintaining reliable cars, and it’s easy to see what makes the Venza a quality SUV and a potent candidate.

Read on for a carefully-crafted head-to-head comparison of the 2023 Toyota Venza vs. the Nissan Murano.

Base MSRP

$34,620

$35,860

Hybrid type

Active Hybrid

Roadside assistance months / (mi)

24 / Unlimited

36 / 36000

Estimated Combined (MPG)

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

Horsepower

219

260

Engine

2.5L inline 4-cylinder

3.5L V6

Adaptive cruise control

Yes

Speakers

X of X

2023 Toyota Venza vs. 2023 Nissan Murano

Safety Comparison

Both the 2022 Toyota Venza and 2022 Nissan Murano were IIHS Safety top picks. for their array of crash avoidance features. In this 2023 Nissan Murano vs Toyota Venza comparison, we compare features like the Toyota Venza VSC system with the Nissan Murano's Vehicle Dynamic Control system.

The Venza comes with Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST).
The Nissan Murano has a 4-wheel ABS system (G-sensor on AWD models), Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Active Brake Limited Slip. It also features Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System.
Restraint systems for the Toyota Venza are a standard 3-point seat belt for all seating positions, a driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR), and an Automatic (ALR)/Emergency Locking Retractor on all passenger seat belts. A rear passenger seat belt indicator is available on some models.
The Nissan Murano comes standard with a 3-point ALR/ELR passenger seat belt system and ELR system for the driver.
The Toyota Venza features a standard anti-theft with an engine immobilizer and alarm for security.
Similarly, the Nissan Murano comes with a standard Vehicle Security System and Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.

2023 Toyota Venza vs. 2023 Nissan Murano

Performance Comparison

Explore the engines, drivetrains, and specifications of these mid-size SUVs in this Venza vs. Murano performance comparison.

The Toyota Venza features a standard hybrid 2.5-liter, Dynamic Force 4-cylinder engine with DOHC 16-valve, with D-4S Dual-Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Its combined internal combustion engine with electric motor powertrain system provides a net combined 219 horsepower.
The Nissan Murano trims feature a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine for a maximum of 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 240 lb.-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
The Toyota Venza comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models.
The Nissan Murano offers all-wheel drive on all models but comes standard with front-wheel drive.

Available Models (4)

$34,620

Base MSRP

40/37

Est. MPG

Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection
Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)

XLE

$38,830

Base MSRP

40/37

Est. MPG

LED fog lights
SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)

Nightshade Edition

$39,955

Base MSRP

40/37

Est. MPG

19-in. multi-spoke gloss-black alloy wheels
Black front and rear lower bumper garnish with smoked chrome-finished lower moldings
Black acrylic front grille with smoked chrome-finished accents

Limited

$42,765

Base MSRP

40/37

Est. MPG

12.3-in. 9-speaker JBL® Premium sound system with subwoofer and amplifier
Heated and ventilated perforated SofTex®-trimmed front seats
Available Star Gaze® fixed panoramic roof with on/off control and power sunshade

2023 Toyota Venza vs. Nissan Murano

Design Comparison

Read about the comfort and design elements of the Toyota Venza and the Nissan Murano.

Both the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Venza come standard with push-button start.
The Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano both comfortably seat up to 5 people including the driver.
The Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza both come with a 60/40 split rear bench seats that easily fold down.
The Toyota Venza comes in four trims: the LE (starting at $34,620 MSRP), XLE, Nightshade Edition, and the top-spec Limited (starting at $42,765 MSRP).
The Nissan Murano offers five trims: The base-variant S (starting at $33,860 MSRP with FWD or at $35,560 MSRP for AWD), SV, Midnight Edition, SL, and the top trim, Platinum (starting at $45,410 MSRP).
The Toyota Venza features alloy wheels, LED projector headlights and continuous, thin rear LED taillights for a modern, stylish look. The Nissan Murano also features standard LED headlights/taillights, Daytime Running Lights, and alloy wheels.

2023 Toyota Venza vs. Nissan Murano

Warranty and Assistance Plans Comparison

Read about the warranty, roadside assistance and maintenance plans you get with the Toyota Venza vs. the Nissan Murano.

The Venza and Murano have comparable Basic Warranty, Restraint Systems, and Corrosion coverage.
The Toyota Venza has a Hybrid Systems Warranty for 8 years/100,000 miles and a Hybrid Battery Warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles. The Murano has a Federal Emission Performance warranty for 2 years or 24,000 miles and a Federal Emission Long Term Defect for 8 years or 80,000 miles.
The Toyota Venza comes standard with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Nissan does not offer a complimentary maintenance plan for the new Nissan Murano comparable to ToyotaCare, but it provides maintenance coverage plans for purchase.
All new Toyota Venza models come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for 2 years, unlimited mileage.
All new Nissan Muranos come with roadside assistance for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles.

The interior and multimedia technology display panel in a 2023 Toyota Venza.

2023 Toyota Venza vs. Nissan Murano

Technology Comparison

Learn about the interior technology features of the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Venza.

The Toyota Venza comes standard with a 6-speaker audio system and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia center console display.
The Nissan Murano comes standard with a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display and a NissanConnect-enabled 8-inch color display with multi-touch control for the center console.
A 9-speaker JBL® Premium sound system and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen are available on the Venza XLE trim and standard on the Limited trim.
A Bose audio system with 11 speakers is only available on the two highest Nissan Murano trim levels, the SL and Platinum.

2023 Toyota Venza vs. Nissan Murano

Conclusion

A potent mix of sophisticated safety and luxury features, sleek design and attractive offers across all trim levels make the Toyota Venza a great choice for those looking for a masterful balance of luxury and practicality. The Toyota Venza is dressed for opulence but is still reliable and dependable.

The Toyota Venza features a standard hybrid 2.5-liter, dynamic force 4-cylinder engine with DOHC 16-valve, with D-4S Dual-Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Its combined internal combustion engine with an electric motor powertrain system provides a net combined horsepower of 219 hp. The Nissan Murano does not offer a hybrid engine.
The Toyota Venza comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models, with an AWD Integrated Management with Multi-Informational Display and touch screen monitor. In contrast, the Nissan Murano comes standard with FWD but offers AWD as an option for all models.
The Toyota Venza is a top-grade hybrid that bears a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating – the Toyota Venza gets vastly superior gas mileage ratings compared to the Nissan Murano. The Toyota Venza has an EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. In comparison, the Nissan Murano has an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
All new Toyota Venza models come with ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The value of ToyotaCare cannot be overlooked, not only acting as a buffer for costs of ownership, but also delivering peace of mind knowing Toyota cares about your vehicle. The official Nissan site does not offer an included factory maintenance plan for the new Nissan Murano but offers extended maintenance plans for purchase.
The Toyota Venza comes standard with popular technology and comfort conveniences, like a hands-free power liftgate, which is not available on the Nissan Murano.
The Toyota Venza delivers more value for less money. The entry MSRP for the Toyota Venza LE starts at $34,620, which includes all-wheel drive as standard. On the other hand, the model S Nissan Murano MSRP starts at $33,860 for a front-wheel drive but jumps to an MSRP of $35,560 for all-wheel drive. The trend continues with the top-spec trims for both vehicles. The Platinum model for the Murano starts at $45,410 MSRP, compared to the Toyota Venza Limited, which starts at $42,765 MSRP.