CX-70 vs Murano
For midsize suv shoppers, the CX-70 from Mazda and the Murano from Nissan are two of the obvious candidates. On balance, the CX-70 is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 5 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance CX-70 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-70 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing CX-70 wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range3.0
- Off-road & Towing8.3
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range1.2
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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 CX-70 has 39 hp more power
The CX-70 clearly leads on total system output, and 280 hp versus 241 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The CX-70 has 3,500 lb more towing capacity
On max towing, the CX-70 posts 5,000 lb against 1,500 lb for the Murano, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The CX-70 has 72 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 332 lb-ft for the CX-70 versus 260 lb-ft for the Murano. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The CX-70 has better fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (combined) is slim (25 mpg against 23 mpg), yet it tips toward the CX-70. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The CX-70 has
The Murano has the lower figure on wheelbase (111.2 in), while the CX-70 reaches 122.8 in. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
By the manufacturer’s measurements, the Murano is the more compact car, and the CX-70 the larger one.
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
Engine & Performance
CX-70 leads
Here the CX-70 opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The CX-70 answers with 39 hp more power. The CX-70’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the CX-70 gets the nod.
Total system output
CX-70: 280 hp Murano: 241 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
CX-70: 332 lb-ft Murano: 260 lb-ft The CX-70’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-70 leads
If fuel economy & range is high on your list, the CX-70 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The CX-70 delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the CX-70 has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
CX-70: 25 mpg Murano: 23 mpg The CX-70 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
CX-70: 24 mpg Murano: 21 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-70 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the CX-70 and the Murano barely differ. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
CX-70 leads
No contest in off-road & towing: the CX-70 is the stronger of the two. The CX-70 brings 3,500 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the CX-70’s higher rating gives you more margin. Weighing only off-road & towing, the CX-70 comes out ahead.
Max towing
CX-70: 5,000 lb Murano: 1,500 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the safety & tech section. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Mild hybrid | Gas |
| Engine | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 280 hp (winner) | 241 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 24 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.7 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 32.9 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 63.5 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | N/A (not specified) | 36.30 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.30 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 1,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Mazda i-Activsense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | CX-70 | Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.8 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 67.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 122.8 in | 111.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,193 lb |
“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 CX-70 if…
- you want more power (280 hp vs 241 hp)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 1,500 lb)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (332 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
Choose the Murano if…
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you trust Nissan and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the CX-70 or the Murano?
On the specs compared here, the CX-70 makes more sense for most buyers; the Murano doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the CX-70 bigger than the Murano?
Size goes the other way: the CX-70 is larger (200.8 in), and the Murano is the smaller option (192.9 × 78 × 67.9 in).
Executive Summary
Whenever Mazda and Nissan go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the CX-70 and the Murano are no exception. The biggest reason I lean toward the CX-70 is simple: it has 39 hp more power. Plus, the CX-70 gets 3,500 lb more towing capacity, which I wouldn’t overlook.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the CX-70, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the Murano.
My pick: the CX-70.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.