2027 Nissan Murano vs 2027 Honda Passport: Which Mid-Size SUV Wins?
The 2027 Nissan Murano delivers 241 hp and standard ProPILOT Assist lane-centering on every trim. The Passport counters with a 280 hp V6 and a 5,000-lb tow rating, nearly three times the Murano's capacity. Here is a trim-by-trim breakdown of both SUVs, with inventory available at Fort Worth Nissan.
The Short Answer
The Murano is the right choice for buyers who want a refined daily driver with a class-exclusive Zero Gravity rear seat, hands-on highway assistance built in, and 27 mpg highway without stepping up to a hybrid. The Passport wins for buyers who need serious towing (up to 5,000 lbs), genuine off-road modes including Trail and Sand, and a roomier cargo hold. Neither choice is wrong. The two vehicles serve different priorities.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2027 Nissan Murano | 2027 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cyl | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 260 | 258 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Intelligent AWD | i-VTM4 AWD |
| EPA City / Hwy / Combined | 21 / 27 / 23 mpg | 18-19 / 22-25 / 20-21 mpg |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 32.9 cu ft | 44 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 63.5 cu ft | 83.8 cu ft |
| Towing | 1,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 8.3 in (RTL) / 9.6 in (TrailSport) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36k mi | 3 yr / 36k mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60k mi | 5 yr / 60k mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Murano uses a 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a variable-compression design that adjusts its compression ratio dynamically to balance power and efficiency. Output is 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a drive mode selector that now includes Snow Mode on every trim for 2027.
The Passport runs a 3.5L V6 producing 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic. The V6 is a naturally aspirated design with Variable Cylinder Management that deactivates cylinders under light loads. Seven drive modes are available on the Passport, including Trail and Sand settings that have no equivalent in the Murano lineup.
On paper the Passport has a horsepower edge. In real-world highway use the Murano returns up to 27 mpg versus the Passport's 22-25 mpg on the highway depending on trim. For Fort Worth commuters covering long stretches of I-30 or I-820, that gap adds up noticeably over a year of driving.
The Passport's towing advantage is significant: 5,000 lbs versus 1,500 lbs on the Murano. If trailering a boat, camper, or utility trailer is part of the plan, the Passport is the clear answer.
Interior, Space and Cargo
The Murano's cabin is built around comfort. Zero Gravity seats, developed with input from NASA research on posture, come standard on both the front and rear outboard positions. No competitor in this segment offers that feature as standard. The Platinum trim adds heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats plus heated rear seats, all paired with semi-aniline leather upholstery. Up to 64 colors of ambient LED lighting are available.
The Passport has more raw space. Its 44 cu ft of cargo behind the second row easily beats the Murano's 32.9 cu ft, and its maximum cargo volume of 83.8 cu ft (standard Passport) dwarfs the Murano's 63.5 cu ft. Rear legroom on the Passport measures 40.9 inches; the Murano offers 36.3 inches. If rear passengers or cargo volume are the primary concern, the Passport has a real advantage.
The Murano's interior materials and seat engineering tip the scales back toward it for buyers who prioritize ride quality over cargo math. The Dark Armor and Platinum trims gain the panoramic moonroof as standard equipment.
Technology and Safety
Both vehicles include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Google built-in is standard on the Passport across all trims. On the Murano, Google built-in comes on Dark Armor and Platinum only; the base SL trim uses NissanConnect without Google integration.
The Passport includes Google Gemini integration with its Google built-in package. The Murano's Dark Armor and Platinum trims add Alexa Built-In alongside Google built-in.
For audio, the Murano's SL uses a 6-speaker system while Dark Armor and Platinum step up to a 10-speaker Bose system. The Passport RTL and TrailSport grades use a 9-speaker system; the TrailSport Elite trims upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose system.
On driver assistance, the Murano's standard ProPILOT Assist gives it a meaningful edge. Every Murano trim includes lane-centering combined with stop-and-go adaptive cruise, making highway driving in Fort Worth traffic less demanding. The Passport's Honda Sensing suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist, which is a solid system.
The Murano Platinum trim's optional Technology Package unlocks ProPILOT Assist 2.1, which allows hands-off single-lane freeway driving when conditions permit. The HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor is standard on all Murano trims; the Passport includes a MultiView Camera System and TrailWatch on TrailSport grades.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 covers all six core features on every Murano. Honda Sensing is likewise standard on every Passport trim. Both are strong suites.
Value and Ownership
Both SUVs carry identical warranty coverage: 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles on the powertrain. Neither has a structural advantage there.
The Murano returns 23 mpg combined versus 20-21 mpg combined for most Passport trims. On a 15,000-mile annual driving cycle, that difference is roughly 100 gallons of fuel per year. At current Fort Worth-area pump prices, that is a measurable ownership cost gap in the Murano's favor.
The Murano's standard content list is long. Every trim includes ProPILOT Assist, HD Around View Monitor, Zero Gravity seating, dual 12.3-inch displays, NissanConnect Services with a 5-year Select trial, and Intelligent AWD. Buyers do not need to step up trims to get the core technology and safety features.
The Passport offers standard features like the panoramic moonroof, Tri-Zone climate control, and Google built-in across all trims. Buyers who want genuine off-road gear must move to TrailSport trims, which carry a premium.
Which One Should You Buy
Buy the 2027 Nissan Murano if: you want a cabin-first SUV with class-exclusive Zero Gravity seating, standard ProPILOT Assist on every trim, better fuel economy, and a design focused on highway comfort. The Dark Armor adds a sportier stance with gloss black 21-inch wheels and unique exterior details for buyers who want more visual attitude. The Platinum with the Technology Package is the choice for anyone who wants hands-off freeway assist via ProPILOT Assist 2.1.
Buy the 2027 Honda Passport if: towing a boat or trailer is a regular need (5,000 lbs vs. 1,500 lbs), you want more cargo room behind the second row (44 cu ft vs. 32.9 cu ft), or you want a vehicle tuned for moderate off-road use with seven drive modes and available off-road suspension.
See the 2027 Murano at Fort Worth Nissan
The 2027 Murano earns its place for buyers who want daily-driving refinement, standard ProPILOT Assist, and a fuel-efficient powertrain packaged in a sharp-looking three-trim lineup. Fort Worth Nissan carries current Murano inventory, and the team can walk you through the SL, Dark Armor, and Platinum grades side by side. Shoppers throughout the Fort Worth area can check live stock, schedule a test drive, or get a trade-in estimate using the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Nissan Murano have ProPILOT Assist on every trim?
Yes. ProPILOT Assist with lane-centering and stop-and-go adaptive cruise is standard on all three Murano trims: SL, Dark Armor, and Platinum. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 with hands-off freeway capability is available as part of the optional Technology Package on the Platinum trim only.
How does the Murano's towing capacity compare to the Passport?
The 2027 Murano tows up to 1,500 lbs. The 2027 Honda Passport tows up to 5,000 lbs. If regular trailering is a priority, the Passport is the stronger choice on this single measure.
Which SUV gets better fuel economy, the Murano or the Passport?
The Murano returns 21 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined mpg. The Passport (RTL / RTL Towing) returns 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined; TrailSport grades drop to 18 city / 22 hwy / 20 combined. The Murano is the more fuel-efficient choice.
What is the cargo space difference between the Murano and the Passport?
The Murano offers 32.9 cu ft behind the second row and 63.5 cu ft maximum. The Passport offers 44 cu ft behind the second row and 83.8 cu ft maximum (standard trims). The Passport carries a significant cargo advantage.
Does the 2027 Murano come with Google built-in?
Google built-in (Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play Store) comes standard on the Dark Armor and Platinum trims. The SL uses NissanConnect with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto but without Google built-in.
What is new on the 2027 Nissan Murano?
The 2027 Murano adds the Dark Armor trim with gloss black 21-inch wheels, gloss black badges, and sport-tuned bumpers. Snow Mode is now standard on all grades. The grade walk has been streamlined to three trims: SL, Dark Armor, and Platinum.
Are Zero Gravity seats standard on the Murano?
Yes. Nissan Zero Gravity front seats are standard on all Murano trims. Rear outboard Zero Gravity seats are also included, making the Murano the only vehicle in its class to offer this seating design front and rear as standard.
What warranty does the 2027 Nissan Murano carry?
The Murano includes a 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Coverage matches the Honda Passport's warranty terms exactly.
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