The midsize SUV class is one of the most diverse in the automotive world. Some have two rows of seats, and some have three. Some have hybrid options, and some don’t. Even within the midsize class, size can vary more than you might think. Two midsize SUVs you may find yourself cross-shopping are the boxy Hyundai Santa Fe and the sleek Nissan Murano.
Let’s take a closer look at these SUVs and see which is better for you.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe still feels fresh from its 2024 redesign. We love its boxy look, which is both stylish and practical, a rare combination. It yields tons of interior space for an SUV this size. There’s a lot to love about the Santa Fe, so let’s get right into it.
Hyundai Santa Fe Highlights
3-row seating: The biggest difference between these two SUVs is the standard third row of seats in the Santa Fe, but unavailable in the Murano. It significantly improves the versatility of the Hyundai Santa Fe and makes it one of America’s most affordable 3-row vehicles.
Class-leading warranty: The Hyundai Santa Fe is tied with its Kia cousins for the best warranty in the industry. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, beating out Nissan’s warranty coverage.
Hybrid option: The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid gets up to 36 mpg combined, makes 231 horsepower, retains the SUV’s 3-row practicality and stellar warranty, and still has a starting price lower than the Nissan Murano, which has no hybrid option. What’s not to like?
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Santa Fe models for sale near you
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano enters a new generation with a new look, a new turbo engine, and a premium interior with updated technology. It continues the Murano’s long-standing reputation for serene comfort and everyday practicality in a stylish package. It’s an SUV with a different personality than most of this class, including the Santa Fe.
Nissan Murano Highlights:
Zero Gravity seats: The Nissan Murano’s Zero Gravity front and rear outboard seats might be our favorite in this class. These Nissan-exclusive seats were carefully engineered in collaboration with NASA to provide a neutral posture for long-distance comfort. The result is superior comfort and noticeably reduced fatigue on long drives.
Upscale cabin: The Nissan Murano has always been on the classier side of midsize SUVs, and that reputation is unchanged with the redesigned 2025 model. It looks and feels like a more expensive SUV inside and out, and the top Platinum trim has luxuries like quilted semi-aniline leather seats (massaging in front), a panoramic moonroof, and a Bose audio system.
Leading technology: The standard Nissan ProPILOT Assist system makes highway driving safer and more relaxed with features like adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and lane centering. The SL and Platinum trims integrate navigation data to adjust speed for curves and interchanges.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Murano models for sale near you
Similarities
Both of these SUVs are on the smaller side of the midsize SUV class. They also both come standard with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and come with similar rosters of safety and infotainment tech features.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (61602)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$35,795 |
$34,184 |
|||
$38,295 |
$36,521 |
|||
$42,445 |
$40,607 |
|||
$45,195 |
$43,292 |
|||
$48,345 |
$46,343 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2025 Nissan Murano | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 277 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 241 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 260 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 20 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg | 21 city/27 hwy/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 190.2 inches | 192.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.0 inches |
| Height | 67.7 inches | 67.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.6 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.7 inches | NA |
| Legroom, Front | 44.4 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 42.3 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.0 inches | NA |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.5 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.5 inches | NA |
| Cargo Volume | 14.6/40.5/79.6 cubic feet | 32.9/63.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Unless there’s something about the Nissan Murano you find particularly attractive, the Hyundai Santa Fe is simply a better SUV for most people. The Santa Fe’s levels of comfort and luxury can match the Murano’s, and the Santa Fe has the huge benefits of a third row of seats (just fold it down if you’d rather have extra cargo space), an available hybrid, a lower price tag, and better warranty coverage. The Murano has nice seats and all, but the Santa Fe is a clear winner here.
