Which Nissan SUV Is Right for You: The Murano or the Rogue?

Looking for a Nissan Rogue or Nissan Murano for sale in Champaign? Nissan is known for its well-designed SUVs that deliver smooth performance, comfortable cabins, and timeless style. If you’re after a vehicle in this body style that will turn heads and improve your commutes, Nissan is a top brand to shop.

For many, the choice comes down to the Murano versus the Rogue. The Murano is a midsize SUV, and the Rogue is a compact SUV. Their size difference is something worth noting, but there are a few other features that set these two models apart.

Our goal is always to help drivers understand their options and choose a model that best fits their needs. Today, we’ll cover the main differences between the 2025 Nissan Murano and the 2025 Nissan Rogue. You will find that there is more than meets the eye.

Eye-Opening Dimensional Differences

We’ll start with the dimensions of these two models. It’s not as simple as the Murano being bigger than the Rogue. It’s bigger in some areas, and actually smaller in others.

The Murano Has Larger Overall Dimensions

The overall frame of the Rogue is smaller than the Murano’s. If you often squeeze into tight parking spots around Champaign or simply feel more comfortable driving a smaller model, the Rogue could be right for you. The Rogue’s total exterior length is 183 inches, and its exterior width is 72.4 inches. Meanwhile, the Murano is 192.9 inches long and 78 inches wide. The Rogue is going to fit into crowded garages much easier than the Murano.

The Rogue Offers More Rear-Seat Legroom

The inside is where the dimensions might surprise you. The Murano prioritizes extra legroom for the front-seat passengers—not the rear-seat passengers. You’ll find 44.3 inches of legroom for the front seat riders in the Murano, compared to the 41.5 inches in the Rogue. However, moving to the backseats, you’ll get a generous 38.5 inches of legroom in the Rogue, and only 36.3 inches in the Murano.

Due to the design of the two SUVs’ interiors, the Rogue is best suited for those who frequently transport taller passengers in the back, whereas the Murano is better for those who are primarily concerned with making room for tall passengers in the front. However, if you are in the phase of life where you’re caring for small children, the Murano might be just perfect.

The Rogue Has More Cargo Space

Here’s another dimensional difference that could surprise you: out of the two of these models, it’s actually the compact Rogue that offers more cargo space. The Rogue provides 36.5 cu.ft. of cargo room in the back and 74.1 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded. Meanwhile, the Murano provides 32.9 cu.ft. or 63.5 cu.ft. depending on the position of the rear seats. If you know you need to pack a lot of cargo on a routine basis, the Rogue might be your better option.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Next, we’ll look at fuel economy and performance. If you frequently commute long distances around Champaign or enjoy a vehicle with some power, these features may be important to you.

Both models are powered by Nissan’s revolutionary VC-Turbo engines. However, the Rogue comes with a 1.5L engine producing 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the Murano has a 2.0L engine with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. If you’re after performance in your SUV, then the larger midsize model is the clear winner here.

However, as you might expect, fuel economy goes the other way. The less powerful 2025 Nissan Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the 2025 Murano is rated for 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Overall, if you do a lot of driving and don’t want to spend too much at the pump, the Rogue could be your best bet.

Availability of Premium Features

The most significant difference between the Murano and the Rogue might be the availability of premium features. The Murano has a reputation for feeling more upscale all around, with even its base trims delivering high-end features.

The Murano and Rogue do share many features. However, several come standard across all trims for the Murano but are only available on the upper trims of the Rogue. For example, the Murano has wireless charging and a 12.3-inch information display standard across its trims, while the Rogue only offers these features on upper trims. Lower trims have an eight-inch screen and USB ports for charging.

If you love a large touchscreen and want to charge your devices without cords, you might prefer the Murano, since you’ll find these features across the lineup.

The sound system is another premium feature more widely available on the Murano. Both models offer a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system. However, it’s only available on one trim (the top trim) of the Rogue, and available on two trims of the Murano. If you rely on your music and podcasts to get you through the day and want a phenomenal sound system, you’ll have more trim options with the Murano.

Premium seating comes standard with the Murano. You’ll find leatherette heated and power-adjustable seats standard on the base trim. Meanwhile, the Rogue comes standard with manual cloth seats in its base trim. You’ll need to spring for an upper trim for nicer seats.

If you’re looking for all-year climate comfort, the Murano impresses again with its available ventilated seats. This is a feature you’ll only find on the Murano; no Rogue trim offers ventilated seats. If getting a refreshing full-body breeze is essential to you, the Murano will be your SUV.

The Price Ranges

Premium features do come with a premium price tag. You’ll notice a big price range difference between the Rogue and Murano models.

The 2025 Murano starts at just over $40,000, and its upper trim costs around $50,000. Meanwhile, the Rogue’s price range sits a full $10,000 below that. The starting 2025 Rogue trim costs under $30,000, and its upper trim is just under $40,000.

The Rogue will be a better choice for those watching their finances closely. However, those looking to treat themselves might enjoy springing for the Murano.

Ride Home in the Rogue or the Murano Today

Hopefully, you now have a clearer understanding of the benefits and characteristics of these two high-quality models. The Rogue is the more affordable option and has better fuel economy, making it ideal for commuters. Plus, its smaller dimensions make it easier to navigate tight parking spots and maneuver through busy streets.

The Murano is your more upscale option. Luxury features, such as premium seats and wireless charging, come standard. However, they also come with a price tag to match. For those seeking an exclusive look and feel, along with a bit more front-seat legroom, the Murano could be the right choice. With broader availability of perks like a 10-speaker sound system and a large touchscreen, the Murano is also right for tech-savvy drivers. Plus, only the Murano offers ventilated seats, which might seal the deal for heat-sensitive drivers.

If you’d like to learn more about these models, our team would be happy to answer your questions and take you for a test drive! We offer a wide range of trims for each model, along with a team of Nissan specialists who can help you select the perfect fit. Whichever model you choose, you’ll benefit from the quality, reliability, and style for which the Nissan brand is known.