2026 Nissan Murano vs. Honda Passport
Discover why the Murano offers superior refinement, value, and technology for Bowie drivers.
A midsize SUV should be your sanctuary on wheels, offering space, comfort, and advanced features for every journey. Both the 2026 Nissan Murano and the 2026 Honda Passport are five-passenger, two-row SUVs, but a closer look reveals the Murano is in a class of its own. With a significantly lower starting price, better fuel economy, more advanced technology, and a far more luxurious cabin, the Murano delivers a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Vehicle Overview
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano redefines the midsize SUV with its sleek fourth-generation design, focusing on premium comfort and cutting-edge technology. It features an advanced 2.0L VC-Turbo engine that balances power and efficiency, a stunning interior with available quilted leather, and a suite of driver-assist features, including available hands-free highway driving.
The Murano's mission is clear: provide a near-luxury experience that is both accessible and practical. It boasts best-in-class front legroom, allowing drivers to stretch out in comfort on long drives around Bowie or up to Annapolis. Its innovative technology, like the dual 12.3-inch displays powered by Google, keeps you connected and informed without distraction.
2026 Honda Passport
The 2026 Honda Passport positions itself as a rugged, utilitarian SUV, with a focus on towing capacity and off-road-ready TrailSport trims. Its 3.5L V-6 engine provides strong power but at the cost of fuel efficiency. While practical for cargo and occasional adventures, its interior leans towards durability over refinement, and it lacks the advanced tech integration of the Murano.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Nissan Murano* | 2026 Honda Passport** |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,165* | $46,445** |
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo I4 (241 hp / 260 lb-ft) | 3.5L V-6 (285 hp / 262 lb-ft) |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21 / 27 MPG* | 19 / 25 MPG** |
| Front Legroom | 44.3 inches* | 40.6 inches** |
| Available Hands-Free Driving | ProPILOT Assist 2.1* | Not Available |
| Digital Driver Display | 12.3-inch cluster* | 10.2-inch cluster** |
| Infotainment System | Dual 12.3" screens w/ Google OS* | 12.3" touchscreen w/ Honda system |
Performance & Driving Dynamics
The Nissan Murano features a highly innovative 2.0L VC-Turbo engine. Its variable compression technology seamlessly adjusts for optimal power or efficiency, delivering 241 horsepower and a robust 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic, it provides responsive acceleration for Bowie highways while achieving an excellent 27 MPG highway.
The driving experience is tuned for comfort and composure. The Murano's suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease, and the available Intelligent AWD system provides confidence in varied Maryland weather. It's engineered for the daily commute, offering a quiet, refined, and effortlessly capable ride that prioritizes the driver's and passengers' comfort.
The Honda Passport relies on a traditional 3.5L V-6, producing strong horsepower (285 hp) suited for towing up to 5,000 lbs. However, its fuel economy suffers, and its torque figure is nearly identical to the Murano's more efficient engine. The ride is firmer, especially in TrailSport trims, emphasizing rugged capability over daily driving refinement.
Interior Comfort & Space
Step into the Murano and experience a sanctuary. Premium materials, available quilted semi-aniline leather seats, and a dramatic panoramic moonroof create an upscale ambiance. The standout feature is the exceptional 44.3 inches of front legroom—besting the Passport by nearly four inches—allowing unparalleled comfort for the driver.
Thoughtful amenities include available heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, tri-zone automatic climate control, and active noise cancellation for a library-quiet cabin. While cargo space is ample for families (32.9 cu. ft. behind seats), the Murano's focus is on passenger luxury.
The Passport's interior is designed for durability and maximum cargo utility, offering up to 83.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Rear legroom is generous. However, the materials are more utilitarian, and the overall design lacks the refined, luxurious feel of the Murano. It's a functional space built for hauling gear, not for pampering its occupants.
For daily driving around Prince George's County, the Murano's emphasis on premium comfort, superior front-seat space, and a serene atmosphere provides a significantly more enjoyable and less fatiguing experience for both driver and passengers.
Technology & Safety Leadership
Murano's State-of-the-Art Tech
The Murano's tech suite is a generation ahead. The available Monolith system features dual 12.3-inch displays (for instrumentation and infotainment) powered by Google OS. This gives you built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control, and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. An available 10.8-inch Head-Up Display keeps your eyes on the road.
In safety, the Murano is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and available ProPILOT Assist 2.1 enables true hands-free driving on mapped highways—a game-changing feature the Passport cannot match. It also includes standard reverse automatic emergency braking, which the Passport lacks.
Passport's Functional Tech
The Passport has updated its tech for 2026 with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch driver display. However, it uses Honda's proprietary software, which isn't as intuitive or feature-rich as the Murano's Google-based system. It offers wireless smartphone integration but lacks native voice assistant integration and an available Wi-Fi hotspot.
Honda Sensing® suite is standard, featuring solid components like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, it does not offer a hands-free driving mode, and its automatic emergency braking is forward-only, not reverse.
Awards & Recognition
The highest safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, recognizing superior crash protection and advanced safety technology.
Recognized as one of the most intuitive and capable hands-free highway driving systems in the non-luxury segment.
Value & Ownership Benefits
The Murano's value proposition is undeniable. You save over $3,200 at the starting line, spend less on fuel every week, and are treated to a more luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle. Nissan of Bowie adds to this value with our commitment to customer care.
- Complimentary Maintenance: The Murano comes with Nissan's complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, reducing your initial cost of ownership. The Passport has no standard complimentary maintenance program.
- Strong Warranty: Both offer a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but Nissan pairs it with superior dealer support at our Bowie location.
- Lower Cost of Operation: With better fuel economy and a lower MSRP, the Murano is the clear financial winner for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has more horsepower?
The Honda Passport has more horsepower (285 hp vs. 241 hp). However, the Nissan Murano's turbocharged engine produces nearly identical torque (260 lb-ft) lower in the RPM range, making it feel very responsive in daily driving, and it does so with significantly better fuel efficiency.
Can the Nissan Murano tow?
Yes, the 2026 Nissan Murano has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. The Honda Passport has a higher maximum towing capacity (5,000 lbs), which is a key advantage if you regularly tow heavy trailers or boats. For most common towing needs like small trailers or jet skis, the Murano is perfectly capable.
What is ProPILOT Assist 2.1?
ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is Nissan's advanced driver-assistance system that allows for hands-free driving on designated highways. Using advanced sensors and mapping, it can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain conditions, reducing driver fatigue on long trips. This feature is not available on the Honda Passport.
Which SUV is better for families?
Both seat five, but they cater to different family needs. The Murano excels in passenger comfort, refinement, and safety technology, making it ideal for families who prioritize a pleasant, quiet, and connected daily drive. The Passport offers more maximum cargo space and a more rugged design, better suited for families who frequently need to haul large gear or go on camping trips.
Is the Nissan Murano more fuel efficient?
Yes, significantly. The 2026 Nissan Murano achieves an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, while the Honda Passport gets 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. This means the Murano will save you money at the pump over the life of the vehicle while delivering comparable performance.
Which vehicle has more interior space?
It depends on how you define space. The Honda Passport has more maximum cargo capacity (83.5 cubic feet with seats folded vs. 63.5 in the Murano). However, the Nissan Murano offers significantly more front legroom (44.3 inches vs. 40.6 inches), which is crucial for driver and front passenger comfort on long journeys.
The Verdict
The 2026 Nissan Murano is the intelligent choice for the Bowie driver who values sophistication, comfort, and smart technology. It delivers a premium experience—with more front-seat space, better fuel economy, and groundbreaking features like available hands-free driving—all for thousands less than the Honda Passport.
While the Passport has merits for specific towing or off-road needs, the Murano's balanced excellence makes it the superior midsize SUV for the vast majority of lifestyles. It's not just a vehicle; it's a refined retreat designed around your comfort and connectivity.
Ready to experience the 2026 Nissan Murano difference? Visit Nissan of Bowie today. Our team is ready to provide a personalized, no-pressure test drive and explain all the advantages of Nissan ownership.
Nissan of Bowie
2200 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20716-3411
Sales: 301-867-7464 | Service: 301-867-7280 | Parts: 301-867-5418
*Nissan Murano specifications: Manufacturer's data for 2026 model. Starting MSRP for Murano S FWD. Destination and handling charges, tax, title, license, and options extra. Dealer sets actual price. Available features and content may vary. See dealer for details. Fuel economy based on EPA estimates.
**Honda Passport specifications based on 2026 model data from Honda.com. Actual specifications may vary. MSRP comparison based on starting prices for base trims.