Head-to-head
2027 Kia Sportage vs 2027 Nissan Murano
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 97.8 to 75.7, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Nissan Murano is ahead on performance.
A
2027 Kia Sportage
The 2027 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…
vs
A*2027 Nissan Murano
The 2027 Nissan Murano is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV. The most efficient version, the Murano AWD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no rec…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Sportage
Clear winThe Kia Sportage wins clearly, 97.8 to 75.7, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Nissan Murano is ahead on performance.
Tech & comfort 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 46.9
Price 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 34.1
Fuel & range 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 44.2
| Category · weight | 2027 Nissan Muranooverall 75.7 | 2027 Kia Sportageoverall 97.8 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 65.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 55.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 98 | 100 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 89.9 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 80.2 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 53.1 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 75.7 | 97.8 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Nissan Murano: base trim SL AWD · Kia Sportage: base trim LX FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Sportage wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 26 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $15,000 lower ($28,990 against $43,990 base MSRP).
- It costs $1,200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,500 against $2,700).
Where the 2027 Nissan Murano answers
- It turns out 260 lb-ft of torque against 178.
- It makes 241 hp against 187.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
49 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $43,990 | $28,990 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,997 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L Inline-4 VC-Turbo DOHC | 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 4 valves per cylinder | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 21 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 23 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 27 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.34 | 3.648 |
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.3 in | 7.1 in |
| Overall height | 67.9 in | 65.4 in |
| Overall length | 193 in | 184 in |
| Overall width | 78 in | 73.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 109 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 69.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 32.9 cu-ft | 36.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 144 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.1 in | 39.6 in |
| Second-row headroom | 37.9 in | 39.4 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 44.3 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | 36.3 in | 41.3 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,290 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,290 lbs | 3,434 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,600 lbs | 4,740 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent strut with coil springs | McPherson strut |
| Rear suspension type | Independent multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric power assist | Column Type - Motor Driver Power Steering (MDPS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.1 ft | 19.3 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 350 mm | 320 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electric with auto hold | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 330 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 20 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 255/55R20 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.7 gal | 14.3 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | NissanConnect Services | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 60.8 in | 57.5 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 58.5 in | 55.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
182 features · differences first, then sharedSafety43 differ · 57 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | — | std |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA2) | — | std |
| Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) | — | std |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA) | — | std |
| Surround View Monitor (SVM) | std | — |
| Navigation based Smart Cruise Control Curve (NSCC-C) | — | std |
| Parking Collision Avoidance - Reverse (PCA-R) | — | std |
| Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | — | std |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | — | std |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | — | std |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Obstruction Detection | std | — |
| Blind Spot Intervention | std | — |
| Blind Spot-Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) | std | — |
| Blind Spot-Collision Warning (BCW) | — | std |
| Brake Assist | std | — |
| Driver and passenger's supplemental knee air bags | std | — |
| Electronic Brake Force Distribution | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold | — | std |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | — | std |
| Front sonar system | std | — |
| Height adjustable up/down headrests | — | std |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors | — | std |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | — | std |
| Impact sensing auto door unlock | — | std |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | std | — |
| Intelligent Lane Intervention | std | — |
| Invisible Hood View | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | — | std |
| Post-collision e-call | std | — |
| Post-collision hazard warning | std | — |
| ProPILOT Assist | std | — |
| Rear Automatic Braking | std | — |
| Rear Door Alert | std | — |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) | — | std |
| Speed sensing auto door locks | — | std |
| Traction Control System | std | — |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | std | — |
| Vehicle Security System | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC with S&G) | std | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | std |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | std |
| Front seat-mounted side air bags | std | std |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | std |
| Rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | std |
| High-Beam Assist (HBA) | std | std |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) High-Line | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto (ccNC Lite) | — | std |
| 12.3-inch color display with multi-touch control | std | — |
| 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with Satellite Radio, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Voice Recognition, Wi-Fi, Map OTA, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (ccNC Navigation) | — | std |
| 6 speakers | std | — |
| 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters) | — | std |
| Bluetooth phone and streaming audio hands-free | — | std |
| Center speaker (front x1) | — | std |
| Front USB c-type charging and connection (x1) | — | std |
| Harman Kardon Premium Audio system | — | std |
| NissanConnect Services with 5G powered by SiriusXM | std | — |
| NissanConnect® featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ | std | — |
| Rear USB c-type chargers (x2 ports rear console) | — | std |
| SiriusXM® Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) | std | — |
| Steering wheel mounted audio controls | — | std |
| Subwoofer speaker (front x1) | — | std |
| Two front USB Type-C ports | std | — |
| Two rear USB Type-C ports | std | — |
| Paddle shifters | std | std |
| Wireless phone charging pad with integrated cooling fan | std | std |
Convenience10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height adjustable Smart power liftgate | — | std |
| Digital Key 2.0 Premium | — | std |
| Remote Engine Start | std | — |
| 12V power outlet (console x1, cargo x1) | — | std |
| Nissan Intelligent Key® | std | — |
| Power window with one-touch auto up/down (driver window) | — | std |
| Powered front and rear windows | — | std |
| Remote Keyless Entry with approach unlock/walk-away lock | std | — |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | — | std |
| Power windows with front one-touch auto up/down and safety | — | std |
| Smart Key with Push Button Start with burglar alarm and panic function | std | std |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row air vents | — | std |
| Air conditioning/heater: Dual-zone automatic temperature control with microfilter | std | — |
| Dual-zone full automatic temperature control (FATC) | — | std |
| Automatic defog system | — | std |
Seating12 differ · 15 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear seats: Fold flat 60/40 split bench | std | — |
| SynTex premium artificial leather seating | — | std |
| 2-position Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver's seat and outside mirrors | — | std |
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat | — | std |
| 2-driver memory and auto entry/exit (driver seat) | std | — |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Cloth seating | — | std |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | — | std |
| Passenger seat: 6-way power | std | — |
| Prima-Tex® leatherette-Wrapped Seats | std | — |
| Rear 60:40 folding with recline | — | std |
| Rear center padded armrest with cup holders | — | std |
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | std |
| Heated front seats | std | std |
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | std |
Interior20 differ · 20 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror | std | — |
| 12.3-inch LCD with integrated 4.2-inch TFT cluster | std | — |
| Day and night rear-view mirror | — | std |
| Door pocket bottle holder | — | std |
| Extendable sunvisor | — | std |
| Hydrographic wood center fascia | — | std |
| Leather wrapped steering wheel | — | std |
| Metal paint center fascia | — | std |
| Metal paint inside door handle | — | std |
| Padded front center armrest with storage box and cupholders | — | std |
| Soft PVC Trans gearshift knob | — | std |
| Soft-touch crashpad | — | std |
| TailorFit™-wrapped steering wheel | std | — |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | — | std |
| Illuminated sunvisor mirrors | — | std |
| Manual tilt and telescope | std | — |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | — | std |
| LED luggage lamp | — | std |
| LED map lamp | — | std |
| Trip computer | std | — |
Exterior38 differ · 41 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic sunroof with power shade | — | std |
| Power folding outside mirrors | — | std |
| 18-inch Alloy wheels | — | std |
| 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels | std | — |
| 20" Alloy Wheel (factory option) | opt | — |
| 255/55R20 all-season tires | std | — |
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | — | std |
| Black radiator grille with silver trim | — | std |
| Body-color outside mirrors | — | std |
| Center high mount stop light | std | — |
| Easy-Fill Tire Alert | std | — |
| Front variable intermittent windshield wipers | — | std |
| Gloss black outside mirrors | — | std |
| Gloss black radiator grille with dark trim / Gloss black unique design radiator grille with dark trim | — | std |
| Gloss black window DLO surround | — | std |
| Heated tailgate glass | — | std |
| Hidden rear tailgate glass wiper | — | std |
| LED fog light | — | std |
| LED Low Projection and High MFR Beam Low and High Beam, Cube type | — | std |
| LED low/high beam headlights | std | — |
| Matte black over fender trim | — | std |
| Matte black side sill trim | — | std |
| Outside mirrors: 2-driver memory | std | — |
| Outside mirrors: Gloss black | std | — |
| Outside mirrors: Integrated turn signals, tilt in reverse | std | — |
| Outside mirrors: Manual-folding | std | — |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors | — | std |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals | — | std |
| Privacy rear windows (PHEV: Privacy rear windows) | — | std |
| Rear spoiler | — | std |
| Rear window privacy glass | std | — |
| Silver finish window DLO surround | — | std |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | — | std |
| Tire repair kit | std | — |
| Wiper deicer | std | — |
| Auto light control | — | std |
| Privacy glass (tailgate and rear windows) | — | std |
| LED high mounted stop lamp | — | std |
| Heated outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED daytime running lights (DRL) Amber Type | std | std |
| LED rear combination lights | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | std |
| Terrain mode, Snow, Mud, Sand modes (AWD only) | — | std |
| 6-Speed Automatic Transmission | — | std |
| Electric Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | — | std |
| Idle stop/start | std | — |
| Parking brake: Electric with auto hold | std | — |
| Snow Mode | std | — |
| Transmission gear selector - Rotary Dial (Shift-by-wire) | — | std |
| All Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | std |
| Eco, Sport and MyDrive | std | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| McPherson strut front suspension | — | std |
| Multi-link rear suspension | — | std |
| Shock Absorber Type: Gas | — | std |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-level cargo floor | — | std |
| Luggage net hook | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPNissan Murano
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Kia Sportage
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Engine (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Nissan MuranoSL AWD | Kia SportageLX FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $43,990 (base trim) | $28,990 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $43,990 – $49,790 3 trims | $28,990 – $47,390 18 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Murano AWD | Sportage Hybrid FWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 23 | 41 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,700 | $1,500 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Nissan Murano or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 97.8 to 75.7, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Nissan Murano is ahead on performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Sportage scores 97.8 and the 2027 Nissan Murano 75.7. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Nissan Murano or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2027 Kia Sportage starts lower — $28,990 against $43,990, a gap of $15,000 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Nissan Murano or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
2027 Nissan Murano: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Kia Sportage: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Nissan Murano and the 2027 Kia Sportage?
Where the 2027 Kia Sportage wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 26 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), starts $15,000 lower ($28,990 against $43,990 base MSRP), and costs $1,200 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,500 against $2,700). Where the 2027 Nissan Murano answers: it turns out 260 lb-ft of torque against 178 and makes 241 hp against 187. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.