Compare the2025 Mazda CX-5VS 2025 Nissan Murano

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Nissan Murano has not been tested.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-5. But it costs extra on the Murano.

Both the CX-5 and the Murano have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda 6 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 more horsepower (256 vs. 241) and 60 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 260) than the Murano’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-5 turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Nissan Murano:

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the Murano:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Murano doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The CX-5 stops shorter than the Murano:

The CX-5 handles at .81 G’s, while the Murano Platinum AWD pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 550 pounds less than the Nissan Murano.

The CX-5 is 1 foot shorter than the Murano, making the CX-5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The CX-5 is 5.4 inches narrower than the Murano, making the CX-5 easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CX-5’s rear seats recline. The Murano’s rear seats don’t recline.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CX-5 easier. The CX-5’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.4 inches, while the Murano’s liftover is 31.6 inches.

The CX-5’s cargo area is larger than the Murano’s in almost every dimension:

The CX-5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Murano’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds).

The CX-5’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 standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Murano doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Nissan Murano by over seven to one during 2024.