Recon vs Murano
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Recon and the Murano show how Jeep and Nissan each approach the midsize suv class. Taken area by area, the Recon wins 3 of 4. That doesn’t make the Murano a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Recon wins
- Space & Practicality Murano wins
- Off-road & Towing Recon wins
- Safety & Tech Recon wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality3.7
- Off-road & Towing7.5
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Space & Practicality4.2
- Off-road & Towing2.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Recon has 429 hp more power
The Murano lists 241 hp; the Recon comes in at 670 hp. That’s not a rounding error. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Recon has 360 lb-ft more torque
At 620 lb-ft versus 260 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Recon, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The Recon’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Recon has 1,800 lb more towing capacity
If max towing is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Recon leads clearly with 3,300 lb to the Murano’s 1,500 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Murano has 8.6% more cargo space
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Murano: 32.9 cu ft compared with 30.3 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Recon has 0.80 in more ground clearance
The Recon is slightly stronger on ground clearance. The gap, 9.10 in versus 8.30 in, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Higher clearance can slightly raise the center of gravity, but it’s a real advantage away from smooth pavement.
Design & Size
If you’re worried about fit, relax: either car occupies roughly the same footprint.
Dimensions
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.3 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
Engine & Performance
Recon leads
The Recon wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Recon pulls ahead with 429 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Recon leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Recon: 670 hp Murano: 241 hp The Recon’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Recon: 620 lb-ft Murano: 260 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Murano leads
A modest lead on space & practicality belongs to the Murano. The Murano stands out with 8.6% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. That makes the Murano the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Recon: 30.3 cu ft Murano: 32.9 cu ft The Murano’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Recon leads
This is one of the Recon’s strongest areas. On off-road & towing, the Murano falls well short. The Recon brings 1,800 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Recon’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Recon.
Max towing
Recon: 3,300 lb Murano: 1,500 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Ground clearance
Recon: 9.10 in Murano: 8.30 in More ground clearance helps on rough roads, steep driveways, deep snow and light trails.
Safety & Tech
Recon leads
The Recon edges the safety & tech section, though the Murano stays close. The Recon gives you a bigger 14.5 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. In short, the Recon is the better-equipped car for safety & tech.
Largest touchscreen
Recon: 14.5 in Murano: 12.3 in The Recon’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors, 100 kWh battery | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 670 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 241 hp |
| Torque | 620 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (dual-motor) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 27 mpg |
| Electric range | 222 mi Shortest electric range | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 30.3 cu ft | 32.9 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 65.9 cu ft | 63.5 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 36.30 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 9.10 in (winner) | 8.30 in |
| Max towing | 3,300 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14.5 in (winner) | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.3 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
Price
| Spec | Recon | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $65,000 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Recon if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (670 hp vs 241 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (620 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the higher towing capacity (3,300 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you drive on rough roads, trails or snowy streets (9.10 in vs 8.30 in)
Choose the Murano if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (32.9 cu ft vs 30.3 cu ft)
- you already know your way around Nissan’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Recon or the Murano?
For most people, the Recon is the stronger choice, unless you need 8.6% more cargo space, which only the Murano offers.
Which is larger, the Recon or the Murano?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Recon and the Murano is too small to matter.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Recon and the Murano. I just have opinions about the numbers. To me, the standout is that the Recon offers 429 hp more power. There’s more, too: the Recon offers 1,800 lb more towing capacity. To be fair, the Murano has 8.6% more cargo space, and that’s not nothing.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Recon, space & practicality to the Murano.
My pick: the Recon is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you value 8.6% more cargo space above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.