2026 Nissan Murano vs. 2026 Mazda CX-70

Redefining the Premium Crossover Experience at Maus Nissan of Brooksville

The midsize crossover segment undergoes a significant shift with the arrival of the 2026 Nissan Murano, a vehicle that prioritizes sophisticated comfort and standard capability. Starting at an MSRP of $44,105 for the SV trim, the Murano offers a more accessible entry point compared to the $44,675 starting MSRP of the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Preferred Package. While both vehicles provide seating for 5 passengers, the Murano distinguishes itself with standard 4WD across every trim and a refined 2.0L I4 engine delivering 241 hp. The CX-70 utilizes a 3.3L I6 producing 280 hp, yet the Murano remains highly competitive with an EPA-estimated 25 combined mpg compared to the 26 combined mpg of the Mazda. For those navigating the roads near Brooksville, our dealership address is the perfect place to start your journey. We invite you to give our team a quick call to discuss this refined SUV.

Sophisticated Power and the Smooth Delivery of the Nissan Variable Compression Turbo

Engine & Performance

The CX-70 provides a choice between an inline-six and a plug-in hybrid, whereas the Murano utilizes a standard turbocharged four-cylinder.

The 2026 Nissan Murano introduces a modern mechanical foundation centered on a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine. This sophisticated powerplant produces 241 hp, a figure that ensures confident merging and passing maneuvers. Unlike previous iterations, this engine is paired with a 9-speed Automatic transmission, providing a more direct and responsive driving sensation. This transmission is engineered to maximize the turbocharger's torque curve, delivering power seamlessly through a standard 4WD system.

When compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-70, the Murano emphasizes a balanced approach to daily performance. The Mazda CX-70 Preferred Package utilizes a 3.3L I6 engine, while its SC and SC Plus trims feature a 2.5L I4 PHEV setup. In terms of efficiency, the Murano achieves an EPA-estimated 21 city MPG and 28 hwy MPG, resulting in a 25 combined MPG. The gas-powered Mazda CX-70 offers 23 city MPG and matches the Murano exactly with 28 hwy MPG, leading to a 26 combined MPG. While the Mazda PHEV variants offer a higher 57 combined MPG, the Murano provides a consistent experience across the SV, SL, and Platinum trims without the need for external charging.

Drivetrain stability is a hallmark of the 2026 Murano. By standardizing 4WD across the entire range, Nissan ensures that every driver benefits from enhanced grip and stability. This mechanical consistency is paired with a chassis tuned for comfort, featuring a ground clearance of 8.3 inches that helps navigate uneven pavement. For utility needs, the Murano supports a 1,500 lbs towing capacity, making it suitable for small trailers or recreational gear. The 9-speed Automatic transmission in the Murano is specifically tuned to handle these loads while maintaining the quiet cabin environment that defines this crossover. This focus on smooth, linear power delivery makes the Murano a standout choice for those who value mechanical refinement.

Sculpted Elegance Meets Modern Presence in Exterior Design

The 2026 Nissan Murano establishes a commanding road presence through its wide-body proportions and sophisticated styling cues. Measuring 78.0 inches in width, the Murano is wider than the 77.6-inch Mazda CX-70, a dimension that contributes to its stable handling and aggressive stance. While the CX-70 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches, the Murano’s 192.9-inch length ensures it remains agile and easy to park without sacrificing its 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

Dimensions & Capacity

The CX-70 is notably longer and offers significantly higher towing capacity than the Murano.

Visual sophistication is standard across the lineup, starting with the Murano SV, which features P255/55HR20 all-season tires on 20-inch wheels. For those seeking a more premium aesthetic, the SL and Platinum trims upgrade to P255/50HR21 tires on 21-inch wheels. This contrasts with the CX-70 PHEV SC, which utilizes 19-inch gray metallic wheels as its base offering. The Murano’s lighting signature is equally modern, utilizing LED low and high beam headlights with High Beam Assist to illuminate the path forward.

Functional elegance extends to the roofline and rear of the vehicle. The SL and Platinum trims include a panoramic moonroof that spans the first and second rows, whereas a power panoramic sunroof is reserved for the higher-tier CX-70 Premium Plus and S Premium packages. At the rear, the Murano Platinum offers a Motion Activated Liftgate for effortless access to the about 33 cubic feet of cargo volume. Although the CX-70 provides a higher maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs compared to the Murano's 1,500 lbs, the Nissan is better suited for urban environments where its shorter height of 68.0 inches—compared to the Mazda's 68.7 inches—allows for better clearance in low-ceiling parking structures. Every curve of the Murano is designed to balance aesthetic appeal with daily practicality.

A Sanctuary of Comfort Featuring Zero Gravity Seating and Quilted Leather

Fuel Economy

The CX-70 PHEV variants offer significantly higher efficiency ratings compared to the Murano's conventional gasoline powertrain.

Best combined fuel economy: 2026 Mazda CX-70 at 26-57

The 2026 Nissan Murano provides a refined seating environment for 5 passengers across its three-trim lineup, starting with the SV at $44,105. This entry-level MSRP is positioned slightly more competitively than the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Preferred Package, which begins at $44,675. Inside the Murano Platinum, which carries an MSRP of $53,471, the cabin is elevated by quilted semi-aniline leather-appointed seats. This premium upholstery replaces the Prima-Tex® material that comes standard on the SV and SL trims. While the CX-70 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus offers Quilted Tan Nappa leather, the Murano Platinum distinguishes itself by offering massaging front seats, a luxury feature that remains a rarity in the midsize crossover segment.

Ergonomics are a primary focus for both manufacturers, but the Murano emphasizes driver wellness through its seating architecture. The Murano SV and SL trims include an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the Platinum trim adds 4-way power lumbar support and a massage function. In the CX-70 Preferred, drivers also receive an 8-way power seat with power lumbar and two-position memory. For the 2026 model year, the Murano SL introduces a Comfort Package that moves ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel into the mid-range trim. The CX-70 Preferred has also standardized ventilated front seats and heated rear seats for 2026 to stay competitive.

Cargo management and interior utility further define the daily experience in these five-passenger vehicles. The Murano provides about 33 cubic feet of interior cargo volume, supported by 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks. While the CX-70 utilizes a sub-trunk design and remote-folding seats, the Murano Platinum simplifies loading with a Motion Activated Liftgate and a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The SL trim includes a hands-free power liftgate as standard, ensuring that practicality is integrated into the design. Dual-zone automatic climate control and customizable multi-color ambient lighting, standard on both the SL and Platinum, create a sophisticated atmosphere that complements the Murano's focus on quiet, high-end travel.

Seamless Connectivity Through the Dual 12.3-Inch Digital Interface

Technology & Infotainment

The tech experience is very competitive, with both vehicles featuring 12.3-inch displays and wireless smartphone integration as standard.

The 2026 Nissan Murano transforms the cockpit into a high-definition command center by making a 12.3-inch digital dashboard standard across the lineup. This contrasts with the 2026 Mazda CX-70, which provides either a 7-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster depending on the chosen trim level. Both vehicles feature a primary 12.3-inch infotainment screen, but the Nissan implementation offers a cohesive visual experience by utilizing a reconfigurable LCD display that integrates seamlessly with the primary NissanConnect touch-screen interface.

Connectivity is handled with modern sophistication in the Murano, which utilizes Google Built-in and Alexa to manage navigation and media via natural voice commands. The CX-70 relies on Alexa Built-in for its voice assistant duties. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on both crossovers, as is wireless phone charging, ensuring a cord-free environment for front-seat occupants. For those requiring wired connections, both manufacturers have standardized 4 USB-C ports throughout the cabin to keep every passenger's devices powered.

Entertainment is anchored by a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system in the Murano SL and Platinum, while the CX-70 offers a Bose 12-speaker system. Despite the different speaker counts, the Murano’s system is specifically tuned for the unique acoustics of its refined interior. The Platinum trim also gains a standard Head-up Display to keep vital information in the driver's line of sight, a feature the CX-70 reserves for its Premium and higher packages. Both vehicles support over-the-air updates to maintain peak software performance throughout the ownership experience.

Next-Generation Driver Assistance and the ProPILOT Assist 2.1 Advantage

Safety & Driver Assistance

Both vehicles earn the highest IIHS safety honors and offer advanced hands-free driving technologies on higher trims.

The 2026 Nissan Murano and 2026 Mazda CX-70 both achieve the highest honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating. While both vehicles provide a strong foundation of protection, the Murano distinguishes itself by making sophisticated active mitigation standard across its entire lineup. Every Murano trim includes Rear Automatic Braking and Traffic Sign Recognition as standard equipment. In comparison, the CX-70 lists Rear Automatic Braking as an optional feature, and Traffic Sign Recognition is not standard on its base configurations.

Nissan introduces the ProPILOT Assist 2.1 system for the 2026 model year, which is available via the $2,900 Technology Package on the Platinum trim. This system provides advanced hands-free driving support on compatible roadways. While the CX-70 offers Cruising & Traffic Support on its 3.3 Turbo Premium and higher trims, the Murano provides ProPILOT Assist as a standard suite for all drivers. Visibility is also prioritized earlier in the Murano lineup; the HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor is standard on the SL and Platinum trims. The CX-70 requires the Premium Plus Package to provide its 360-degree View Monitor as standard equipment.

Proximity awareness follows a similar pattern, as the Front and Rear Sonar System is standard on all Murano models. The CX-70 only includes front and rear parking sensors as standard starting with the SC Plus trim. Both crossovers utilize Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist, but the Murano adds Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention to actively assist the driver in maintaining their lane. These standard interventions work with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning to create a comprehensive safety perimeter.

Exceptional Value and Manufacturer-Backed Peace of Mind in Brooksville

Pricing

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers a wider range of trims including plug-in hybrid options, while the Nissan Murano maintains a streamlined three-trim lineup.

Warranty & Maintenance

Both manufacturers offer identical basic and powertrain warranty durations.

The 2026 Nissan Murano delivers a compelling value proposition by offering its most sophisticated features within a streamlined, three-trim hierarchy. The Murano SV serves as the entry point with a starting MSRP of $44,105, which is $570 less than the $44,675 required for the base 2026 Mazda CX-70 Preferred Package. For those seeking mid-range luxury, the Murano SL is priced at $49,913, while the top-tier Platinum trim is available for $53,471. The CX-70 lineup expands into much higher price brackets, with the Premium Package starting at $55,905 and the Premium Plus Package reaching $58,835.

Nissan ensures long-term confidence with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. These terms mirror the coverage provided for the CX-70, but Nissan ownership is enhanced by the specialized manufacturer-backed support of Nissan Roadside Assistance: 1-800-333-0867. This program provides 24/7 emergency services, including towing to authorized centers and battery jumps. To compare these trims in person, Get Directions to Maus Nissan of Brooksville or Call us at (352) 423-6287 for the latest availability.

Fuel economy estimates shown may differ from official EPA ratings and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of actual vehicle performance.

Prices and MSRP referenced in this article are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell. See dealer for complete details.