Altima is the midsize-sedan route to passenger comfort; Murano adds a higher seating position, hatchback cargo access, and a premium two-row crossover experience.
Direct answer
Choose Altima if you prefer a lower seating position, a separate 15.4-cubic-foot trunk, sedan driving feel, and a choice of FWD or available Intelligent AWD. Choose Murano if you value a higher seating position, a hatch, 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, and standard AWD on the 2026 lineup. Compare actual price, insurance, passenger access, and your usual cargo at Nissan of New Rochelle before deciding.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Nissan Altima
- You prefer a sedan and rarely need tall cargo space.
- Your driving is primarily commuting and highway travel.
- You want passenger comfort without moving into an SUV.
Choose Nissan Murano
- You value easy loading and a flexible hatch.
- You prefer a higher seating position.
- You want a more premium two-row Nissan experience.
How do the specifications compare?
On a small screen, scroll horizontally to compare every column.
| Decision | Nissan Altima | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp FWD; 182 hp AWD | 241 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft FWD; 178 lb-ft AWD | 260 lb-ft |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Exterior length | 192.9 in. | 192.9 in. |
| Cargo volume | 15.4 cu. ft. trunk | 32.9 cu. ft. behind row two |
| Rear leg room | 35.2 in. | 36.3 in. |
Features and availability vary by model year, trim, drivetrain, package, and current inventory. Confirm the exact vehicle before purchase.
What should you check on a New Rochelle test drive?
Drive both over the same mix of local roads and highway. Then load the same weekly cargo. The difference in body style should solve a practical need or provide comfort you value—not simply follow a trend.
Customer questions and answers
Does Murano have more seats?
No. Both choices are designed around seating for up to five; Murano changes the body style and cargo access rather than adding a third row.
Which is better for older passengers?
Seat height and door access are personal. Have the actual passenger enter and exit both vehicles safely before deciding.
Should I choose based on fuel economy?
Efficiency matters, but also compare purchase terms, insurance, cargo usefulness, comfort, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.
Verify the details
We use Nissan, government, consumer-protection, and dealership sources. Vehicle facts come from the cited U.S. manufacturer information available on the review date. Our conclusions are original dealership analysis of those facts and the New Rochelle decision test shown above; we do not present an estimate as a hands-on measurement. Because model year, trim, drivetrain, and inventory vary, we identify what to match on the exact vehicles.
Source review date: 2026-09-08
- 2026 Nissan Altima overview
- 2026 Nissan Altima brochure
- 2026 Nissan Murano brochure
- Current Nissan of New Rochelle inventory
Nissan of New Rochelle sells and services Nissan vehicles. Our goal is to help you choose the option that fits your needs, including telling you when a different model, payment method, or timing may be the better choice.
Related guides
Find more answers in our research center.
Nissan Answers, Ownership & News Center