Murano vs V90 Cross Country
Different logos, same mission. The Murano and the V90 Cross Country both want to be your next car. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 4 areas go to the V90 Cross Country, and the gap is widest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance V90 Cross Country wins
- Fuel Economy & Range V90 Cross Country wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Fuel Economy & Range1.2
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
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 V90 Cross Country has 54 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (295 hp for the V90 Cross Country, 241 hp for the Murano) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The V90 Cross Country has 50 lb-ft more torque
The spread here is large: 310 lb-ft on the V90 Cross Country versus 260 lb-ft on the Murano. Expect to notice it. The V90 Cross Country’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The V90 Cross Country has better fuel economy
The V90 Cross Country is slightly stronger on fuel economy (combined). The gap, 25 mpg versus 23 mpg, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The V90 Cross Country uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The V90 Cross Country has better highway fuel economy
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the V90 Cross Country: 29 mpg against 27 mpg. The V90 Cross Country uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,193 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
V90 Cross Country leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the V90 Cross Country. The V90 Cross Country makes its case with 54 hp more power. The V90 Cross Country’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the V90 Cross Country comes out ahead.
Total system output
Murano: 241 hp V90 Cross Country: 295 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Murano: 260 lb-ft V90 Cross Country: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
V90 Cross Country leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the V90 Cross Country is comfortably ahead. The V90 Cross Country adds better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Net result: the V90 Cross Country leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Murano: 23 mpg V90 Cross Country: 25 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (highway)
Murano: 27 mpg V90 Cross Country: 29 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 241 hp | 295 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 18.7 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 63.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 36.30 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8.30 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Murano | V90 Cross Country |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Curb weight (from) | 4,193 lb | 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 V90 Cross Country if…
- you want more power (295 hp vs 241 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (310 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Murano or the V90 Cross Country?
On the specs compared here, the V90 Cross Country makes more sense for most buyers; the Murano doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Murano and the V90 Cross Country on their merits. The V90 Cross Country earns my vote first and foremost with 54 hp more power. I also like that the V90 Cross Country brings better fuel economy.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the Murano, engine & performance leads to the V90 Cross Country.
My pick: the V90 Cross Country.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.