The Subaru Outback and Nissan Murano are both two-row midsize SUVs designed to provide plenty of comfort for everyday driving, but they take very different approaches. The Murano leans heavily into upscale styling and premium interior features, while the 2026 Subaru Outback combines a comfortable, spacious cabin with standard all-wheel drive, greater cargo capacity, higher ground clearance, and significantly more available capability.
For drivers near Old Bridge, NJ who want an SUV that’s comfortable during the daily commute but still ready for winter weather, road trips, and weekend adventures, the Subaru Outback offers a more versatile package.
2026 Subaru Outback vs Nissan Murano Comparison
| Category | 2026 Nissan Murano | 2026 Subaru Outback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | Up to 112.0 cu. ft. | Up to 112.3 cu. ft. |
| Front Legroom | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Rear Legroom | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 63.5 cu. ft. | Up to 80.5 cu. ft. |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available Intelligent AWD | Standard Symmetrical AWD |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in. | Up to 9.5 in. |
| Traction Technology | Drive Mode Selector | Standard X-MODE® |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Up to 1,500 lbs. | Up to 3,500 lbs. |
| Available Horsepower | 241 hp | Up to 260 hp |
The 2026 Outback offers up to 112.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume, while Nissan lists up to 112.0 cubic feet of passenger volume and 63.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space for the Murano.
More Rear-Seat Space for Outback Passengers
Interior comfort is about more than premium materials. Having enough room to actually stretch out can make a major difference, especially on longer trips.
The 2026 Subaru Outback provides 39.5 inches of rear legroom, compared with 36.3 inches in the Nissan Murano.
That extra space can be especially useful for families with older children, adults riding in the second row, or anyone who regularly takes longer road trips.
The Outback also provides up to 112.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, giving drivers and passengers a spacious cabin without sacrificing the utility expected from an SUV.
Significantly More Maximum Cargo Space
The difference becomes even larger when you need room for cargo.
With the rear seats folded, the 2026 Subaru Outback provides up to 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume. The Nissan Murano offers 63.5 cubic feet.
That’s nearly 17 additional cubic feet of maximum cargo room in the Outback.
Whether you’re loading luggage, sports equipment, camping gear, home improvement supplies, or everything needed for a family road trip, the Outback gives you substantially more flexibility.
A Comfortable Cabin With Modern Technology
The redesigned 2026 Outback brings major updates inside the cabin, including new premium materials and a new digital instrument cluster. Subaru has also redesigned the interior to provide more passenger and cargo space.
The Outback offers the technology modern drivers expect while maintaining a practical layout designed around everyday usability.
The Murano certainly deserves credit for its upscale approach. Nissan offers available features such as quilted leather-appointed seating, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a panoramic moonroof.
However, drivers who prioritize usable space, rear-seat comfort, cargo flexibility, and versatility may find the Outback to be the better overall fit.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Gives the Outback an Advantage
Performance isn’t only about horsepower. For an SUV, performance also means having traction and control when road conditions become challenging.
Every 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
The Nissan Murano offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, but AWD is not standard across the entire lineup.
For New Jersey drivers dealing with rain, snow, ice, and changing road conditions throughout the year, having AWD included from the start gives the Outback an important advantage.
Standard X-MODE® Adds Even More Confidence
The Outback doesn’t stop at standard AWD.
Every 2026 Outback also features X-MODE®, which optimizes the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to provide additional traction on slippery surfaces. Hill Descent Control can also help provide additional stability when traveling down difficult grades.
The Outback Wilderness takes that capability even further with Dual-Function X-MODE, providing settings designed for snow, dirt, deep snow, and mud.
That makes the Outback especially appealing for drivers who want an SUV that can confidently handle more than paved roads.
Up to 9.5 Inches of Ground Clearance
Another major difference between these SUVs is ground clearance.
The Nissan Murano provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which is respectable for a midsize crossover.
Most 2026 Outback models provide 8.7 inches, while the adventure-ready Outback Wilderness increases ground clearance to 9.5 inches.
That additional clearance can be valuable when navigating deep snow, uneven terrain, dirt roads, campsites, and other challenging surfaces.
Available Turbocharged Outback Performance
Drivers looking for additional power can choose an Outback equipped with Subaru’s direct-injection turbocharged BOXER® engine, available on Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT models. These versions deliver up to 260 horsepower.
The 2026 Murano uses a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Both SUVs provide responsive performance, but the Outback gives shoppers the ability to choose between efficient everyday performance and a more powerful turbocharged configuration.
The Outback Can Tow More Than Twice as Much
Drivers who plan to tow should pay particular attention to this comparison.
Properly equipped 2026 Subaru Outback models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The Nissan Murano has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
That gives the Outback more than double the Murano’s maximum towing capability, making it the stronger option for drivers who want to bring along additional recreational equipment.
Subaru Earns the Top Spot With Consumer Reports
The Outback also benefits from Subaru’s strong reputation as a brand.
In Consumer Reports’ 2026 brand rankings, Subaru ranked #1 overall among automotive brands with an overall score of 82. Nissan ranked 13th with a score of 70. Consumer Reports calculates these scores using road-test performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.
That is an important distinction for shoppers comparing more than features on a spec sheet. Subaru’s top ranking reflects strong performance across several areas that can matter throughout vehicle ownership.
Why Choose the Subaru Outback Over the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano offers an attractive interior and plenty of premium available amenities. However, when you look at the complete package, the 2026 Subaru Outback delivers more of the versatility many SUV shoppers are looking for.
The Outback stands out with:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Standard X-MODE®
- Up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance
- More rear-seat legroom
- Nearly 17 more cubic feet of maximum cargo space
- Up to 260 horsepower
- Up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity
- Available Wilderness capability
- Subaru’s #1 overall ranking from Consumer Reports
For drivers who want comfort without sacrificing capability, the Outback offers a compelling advantage.
Compare the Subaru Outback at All American Subaru in Old Bridge, NJ
If you’re comparing the Subaru Outback vs Nissan Murano, visit All American Subaru in Old Bridge, NJ to experience the 2026 Outback for yourself.
Explore its redesigned interior, spacious rear seating, flexible cargo area, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and available turbocharged performance to see why the Subaru Outback is an excellent choice for New Jersey drivers looking for comfort and capability in one SUV.
Connect with us
Archives
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru BRZ
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
- Subaru Electric Vehicles
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Forester Wilderness
- Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid
- Subaru Getaway
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru Manufacturing Options
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Outback Wilderness
- Subaru Service
- Subaru Solterra
- Subaru Trailseeker
- Subaru Uncharted
- Subaru Vehicle Features
- Subaru Vehicles
- Vehicle Comparison
Categories
