Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 Nissan Murano

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLE have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Nissan Murano doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GLE’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Murano doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GLE offers optional Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Murano doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the GLE. But it costs extra on the Murano.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GLE’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The Murano doesn’t offer Downhill Speed Regulation.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Murano doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and Murano have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Murano’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the GLE and the Murano have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLE weighs 751 to 1862 pounds more than the Nissan Murano. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Nissan Murano:

	GLE	Murano
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	84	342
Neck Injury Risk	24%	28%
Neck Stress	208 lbs.	223 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	34 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	242/256 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	209	266
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	78 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Nissan Murano:

	GLE	Murano
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	101
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	287 lbs.	392 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	148
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	17 inches
HIC	264	439
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	41 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mercedes GLE is much safer than the Murano:

	GLE	Murano
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	POOR
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	50	286
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	402 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	1.65 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	1026 lbs.	1138 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	-89 lbs.	112 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.28 in	.63 in
Shoulder Force	89 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.67 in	.79 in
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Murano is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The GLE comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Murano’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Nissan With 10 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Nissan.

Engine

The GLE 350’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6. The GLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 102 more horsepower (362 vs. 260) and 129 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6. The GLE 450e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 121 more horsepower (381 vs. 260) and 239 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6. The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 250 more horsepower (510 vs. 260) and 298 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 240) than the Murano’s 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Nissan Murano:

	GLE	Murano
Zero to 30 MPH	1.9 sec	3.1 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	7.5 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.9 sec	19.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6 sec	7.6 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.2 sec	3.8 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.3 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	92 MPH
Top Speed	129 MPH	119 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Murano:

			MPG
GLE
	AWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
Murano
	FWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.5 DOHC V6	20 city/28 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 48 miles. The Murano can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Murano doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GLE’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Murano doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Murano (22.5 vs. 19 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Murano:

	GLE 350	GLE 450e	Murano
Front Rotors	13 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.1 inches

The GLE stops shorter than the Murano:

	GLE	Murano
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the Murano (255/50R19 vs. 235/65R18). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Murano (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 235/65R18).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Murano SV’s standard 65 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the Murano Midnight/SL/Platinum’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Murano SV. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Murano Midnight/SL/Platinum.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Murano doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The GLE has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Murano’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Nissan doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Murano.

The GLE offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Murano’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GLE has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GLE’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Murano doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Murano doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 6.7 inches longer than on the Murano (117.9 inches vs. 111.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is 1 inch wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than on the Murano.

The GLE’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (53.5% to 46.5%) than the Murano’s (58.8% to 41.2%). This gives the GLE more stable handling and braking.

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the Murano Platinum AWD pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLE 450 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Murano Platinum AWD (27 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.8 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLE has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Murano (7.9 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The GLE Airmatic’s minimum ground clearance is 2.3 inches higher than on the Murano (9.2 vs. 6.9 inches).

Chassis

The design of the Mercedes GLE amounts to more than styling. The GLE has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the Murano (.31) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLE get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GLE 450 is quieter than the Murano Platinum AWD:

	GLE	Murano
At idle	38 dB	41 dB
Full-Throttle	70 dB	75 dB
70 MPH Cruising	63 dB	66 dB

Passenger Space

The GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Murano can only carry 5.

The GLE has .6 inches more front headroom and 2.2 inches more rear legroom than the Murano.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Murano with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 32.1 cubic feet). The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Murano with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 67 cubic feet).

The GLE’s cargo area is larger than the Murano’s in every dimension:

	GLE	Murano
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40”/76.5”	37”/74.4”
Min Width	43.7”	43”
Height	35.5”	33.7”

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Murano’s (7700 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLE uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Murano doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GLE is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Murano. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Murano SL/Platinum, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Murano does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GLE offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, certain gauge, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Murano doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GLE’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Murano’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the GLE and the Murano have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLE is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Murano prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The GLE’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Murano’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The GLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Murano doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The GLE’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Murano’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Murano doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the GLE offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Murano doesn’t offer cornering lights. The GLE also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Murano doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Murano doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLE’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Murano SV/Midnight/SL/Platinum.

The GLE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Murano has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The GLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Murano.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Murano.

The GLE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Murano doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Murano doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GLE owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the GLE with a number “8” insurance rate while the Murano is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the Murano because typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the Murano, including $48 less for a fuel pump and $532 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Nissan Murano by 85% during 2023.