Comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano vs Hyundai Santa Fe
With the SUV segment being the most popular among drivers, there’s considerable competition between brands to deliver the best to the average consumer. Two brands that are vying for the top position are Nissan and Hyundai. Both manufacturers appeal to drivers for different reasons. Many choose Nissan because of its drive to be the best in technological innovation and design. Others enjoy Hyundai for its affordability and pragmatic features.
The rivalry between Nissan and Hyundai is the focal point of what we’re presenting today. With SUVs being as popular as they are, we’re comparing the midsize offerings from each brand. From Nissan, we’re looking at the 2025 Murano, which recently got a stylish new redesign that gives drivers luxury for less. As for Hyundai, the 2025 Santa Fe offers drivers three rows of seating and a beefy powertrain. This makes the 2025 Nissan Murano vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe an SUV showdown that many drivers are interested in.
Today, we will examine both vehicles and their offerings. We’ll take a look at performance and fuel economy. We’ll get behind the wheel to determine which offers better connectivity and access to technologies that drivers everywhere can benefit from. Finally, we’ll examine the driving assistance and safety features that allow for peace of mind on the road ahead. Let’s hop on in and get moving.
| 2025 Nissan Murano | VS | 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| $40,470 [a] | MSRP: | $34,200 |
| 5 Stars | NHTSA Rating | 4 Stars |
| Yes | Google built-in | No |
| Available | Heated Seats | Standard |
Performance
When it comes to the SUV class, performance covers many different topics. While some drivers seek out high-speed performance and off-road capability, family-oriented commuters, such as those interested in the Murano or Santa Fe, look for agile handling and good fuel economy. Both vehicles have similar powertrains that are meant to provide both.
The 2025 Santa Fe has a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. By all accounts, the formidable powertrain provides solid towing and performance, but it is not ideal in city driving situations, especially with the more temperamental dual-clutch transmission. Car & Driver magazine described the SUV’s handling as “indifferent,” which might deter family-oriented drivers who spend their time in the city limits.
The Nissan Murano underwent a notable change for the 2025 model year. The old V6 engine has been replaced with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The issues the Sante Fe has with being agile in city environments are the complete opposite of what you will experience in the Murano. Car & Driver noted that the 2025 Murano’s new powertrain is accompanied by more precise steering and nimbler handling than in previous years, and we feel the same way.
Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain on both SUVs, while all-wheel drive is an available feature for drivers who enjoy recreational activities and desire better control in adverse road conditions. A notable advantage the Murano has over the Santa Fe is its fuel economy. Testing conducted by the EPA showed that the 2025 Murano achieved 21 MPG in the city with both FWD and AWD models. The 2025 Santa Fe fell behind at 20 MPG in the city.
In addition to having a better city fuel economy than the Santa Fe, the Murano can also go farther on a full tank. The EPA estimates that the 2025 Murano can travel 430 miles compared to the 2025 Santa Fe’s 425 miles. While these might seem like small differences, anyone who spends a fair amount of time driving in the city will attest that every mile counts when it comes to fuel costs.
Driving in the stop-and-go traffic patterns that accompany city driving means needing an agile and efficient vehicle. The Nissan Murano is far more capable of handling the sharp corners and tight turns than the Hyundai Santa Fe. Nissan has always been praised for its innovation, and the new powertrain in the 2025 Murano gives families the competitive edge they need for their daily commute.
Interior
An SUV like the Nissan Murano, which can provide agile handling and exceptional fuel economy while driving in the city, is ideal. However, the modern driver expects much more than an economical powertrain in their SUV. The interior of any vehicle is where you spend the bulk of your time, and it’s essential to have a comfortable experience that provides access to the apps and technologies you use daily.
The centerpiece of the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe is their infotainment screens, which serve as gateways to apps and features that make the drive enjoyable. Both vehicles have a 12.3-inch screen that offers wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both interfaces come with multiple USB ports and the capability to stream audio via Bluetooth. The Murano and Santa Fe both feature speed-sensitive volume control and refined stereo systems.
A key difference between the technologies that accompany both SUVs is their accessibility. The Santa Fe has five different trims, unlike the Murano, which has three. The higher-end items, such as a premium stereo system, are only available on the top two trims of the Santa Fe, but are found on all except for the base trim of the Murano. The Murano also has the advantage of having Google built-in, allowing drivers to access music, maps, and more without connecting their phone, all made possible by the world’s most powerful search engine.
In addition to the technologies the Nissan Murano offers, it provides a more comfortable experience for drivers and passengers. All trims come standard with heated front seats, with the top trim receiving ventilated and massaging seats. The base trim of the Santa Fe has none of these features and is saddled with cloth upholstery, as opposed to the Murano, which has a base trim equipped with leatherette Zero Gravity seats.
Comfort and convenience are two things that many SUV owners look for, and the Santa Fe and Murano both have plenty to offer drivers. However, the Murano provides a more comfortable and tech-savvy experience across all trims. Only the two upper trims of the Santa Fe grant access to items many drivers find appealing. There’s no better way to say it: the 2025 Nissan Murano is an SUV that gives you luxury for less.
Safety
As we’ve examined the Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Santa Fe, we’ve ascertained that both vehicles have economical powertrains and provide comfort and convenience features to make your time behind the wheel enjoyable. These are certainly factors that many drivers look for in an SUV. However, they’re far from what matters most. Having a safe vehicle with features that provide protection and oversight will always matter most.
Before we examine the safety technologies that both SUVs are equipped with, it’s worth mentioning some important test results. Every year, the NHTSA and IIHS conduct collision testing on the latest models on the market. The 2025 Nissan Murano not only received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, sweeping the two highest industry awards.
In comparison, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe only received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, showing poor results in forward collisions and rollovers. The IIHS also noted issues with rear-seat passenger safety. These are important details to keep in mind when choosing a potential vehicle.
Both SUVs come with many standard safety and driving assistance features. These include forward collision alerts, automated braking systems, and technologies to help you stay in your lane while traveling. Both SUVs also offer adaptive cruise control as a standard feature. These items go a long way in providing the necessary protection and oversight modern drivers look for in their vehicles.
Once again, however, the Nissan Murano outshines the Santa Fe in its standard features. The 2025 Murano features items like blind spot intervention on all trims, as opposed to the Santa Fe, which obscures some of its features behind higher trim levels. The Murano also has ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous, hands-on driving technology, which the Santa Fe lacks. The Murano even gives drivers rear automatic braking and intelligent lane intervention as standard features.
While both SUVs offer an array of safety and driving assistance technologies, the Nissan Murano provides more standard items than the Santa Fe. Safety should never come with a price tag. Regardless of what trim of the Murano you choose, you’re getting access to a vehicle that’s proven safe on the road and equipped with items to provide a safe commute.
Test Drive the 2025 Murano Today
With its economical powertrain and agile handling ideal for city conditions, the 2025 Nissan Murano is ideal for families and commuters everywhere. Thanks to its technologies and comforts that adorn the interior and multiple safety features for peace of mind, the Murano far outshines the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Getting behind the wheel of the Murano is easy when you shop here at Illini Nissan. We have the Murano and all three of its trims here and ready to test drive. Our courteous and professional sales team will guide you through the selection process and explain each option’s advantages. Our financing department will help you find the perfect lease or loan, and our parts and service center will ensure you get the most from your new Murano.
There’s a better SUV to own and a better way to buy. At Illini Nissan, we offer both.
