Nissan Murano vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Nissan Murano presented a bold new front design, featuring a next-gen lighting signature with a wing motif that seamlessly integrated into the grille's horizontal slats. This fresh face was a departure from its predecessor, appearing wider due to its increased dimensions, with an additional 7.5 centimetres in width and 3.5 centimetres more ground clearance. The Murano's side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch and black trim, though these elements were reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson's earlier design. Despite this, the Murano's cohesive and sophisticated appearance stood out, especially with its standard 20-inch wheels and the Platinum trim's 21-inch option. Inside, the Murano's interior was modernized with a sleek, horizontally oriented dash and a streamlined centre console featuring a push-button gear selector. The new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash and door cards added a visually appealing ombre effect, enhancing the aesthetic despite the use of leatherette instead of genuine leather in the SL trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, integrated seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The base Luxury trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a prominent grille flanked by LED projector headlights and daytime running lights. The Palisade's profile featured body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities in the Luxury Hybrid. The rear design was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its thoughtful design and craftsmanship, offering H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a range of comfort features. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and advanced seating adjustments. The Palisade's interior was filled with organic shapes and well-considered storage solutions, providing a richer feel compared to other non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, known as VC-Turbo, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering improved acceleration compared to the previous V6. The nine-speed automatic transmission was a significant upgrade from the old CVT, enhancing the Murano's responsiveness. Standard all-wheel drive provided stability, while higher trims offered features like Transparent Hood View for better visibility. Noise cancellation was effective, especially in the Platinum AWD model, which featured an enhanced Bose audio system.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid boasted a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a combined 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, along with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensured the Palisade Hybrid was both powerful and efficient. The hybrid system eliminated the need for a starter motor and auxiliary belts, optimizing power distribution and handling. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid offered a quiet cabin with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass, though engine noise was noticeable under hard acceleration. The steering was sharp, providing a responsive driving experience, while the pedals felt slightly soft.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer impressive comfort features, including standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functionality, though heated seat settings were only accessible through the screen. The Murano's Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though the second row was firmer. Interior dimensions improved in the front, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost 6 cm of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 931 litres of storage space behind the rear seats and a power liftgate standard.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but exceeding others like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but the third row was less spacious compared to rivals. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat standard. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The Palisade featured numerous storage cubbies, enhancing practicality.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was well-equipped with standard wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The monolith-style display housed two 12.3-inch screens, with four USB-C ports available. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a Bose audio system, and ambient lighting, while the Platinum trim included a head-up display.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Higher trims added a 14-speaker Bose stereo and a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing climate control and infotainment use with the engine off.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. ProPILOT Assist was added, with higher trims offering a more advanced version. The Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with additional safety features like a passenger's side airbag and Transparent Hood View.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of ADAS, with blind-view monitor standard on higher trims. The Palisade's ADAS performed well during testing, with no false alerts. While crash-test ratings for the 2026 model were unavailable, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.