Murano focuses on a premium-feeling two-row experience; Pathfinder adds a third row and family-oriented seating and capability.
Direct answer
Choose Murano when five seats, a 32.9-cubic-foot rear cargo area and a larger two-row cabin meet the need. Choose Pathfinder when a third row, up to eight seats or properly equipped towing up to 6,000 pounds matters regularly. Compare cargo with Pathfinder's third row raised and have intended passengers test third-row access.
Which one should you choose?
Choose 2027 Nissan Murano
- Five seats are enough for nearly every trip.
- You value cabin feel and two-row comfort more than maximum seating.
- You want an upscale crossover without moving to a full-size SUV.
Choose 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
- You regularly transport more than five people.
- Child-seat access and flexible family seating are central needs.
- You have a verified towing or larger-cargo requirement.
How do the specifications compare?
On a small screen, scroll horizontally to compare every column.
| Decision | 2027 Nissan Murano | 2026 Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 284 hp; 295 hp Rock Creek |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft; 270 lb-ft Rock Creek |
| Seating capacity | 5 | Up to 8 |
| Exterior length | 192.9 in. | 197.7 in.; 198.8 in. Rock Creek |
| Cargo behind last raised row | 32.9 cu. ft. behind row two | 16.6 cu. ft. behind row three |
| Second-row leg room | 36.3 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Maximum towing | Up to 1,500 lb. | 3,500 lb. standard; up to 6,000 lb. when equipped |
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?
Do not compare cargo space with Pathfinder's third row folded if you plan to use that row. Load both vehicles in the exact seating configuration your family will use on a weekend trip.
Customer questions and answers
Does Murano have a third row?
No. Murano is a two-row crossover. Pathfinder is the Nissan choice here for three-row seating.
Which feels more premium?
Murano is positioned around a premium two-row experience, but trim choice changes materials and features. Sit in the exact vehicles you are pricing.
Which is easier to live with locally?
Murano's two-row format may be easier when you do not need a third row. Pathfinder earns its larger footprint when the added seating and capability are used regularly.
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
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