2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Honda Passport
When shoppers compare the 2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Honda Passport, the decision often comes down to personality as much as capability. The Passport leans into rugged trail styling, while Murano focuses on refined everyday driving, premium comfort, confident all-wheel-drive control, and technology that feels immediately useful. At Welborn Nissan of Rome, we see many SUV shoppers who want a vehicle that feels composed on I-75, relaxed on local errands, and upscale enough for family outings or dinner downtown. For drivers near Calhoun, GA, that balance matters because daily routes can include highway traffic, two-lane roads, school drop-offs, and weekend drives toward the foothills. Murano answers with standard Intelligent AWD, a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo® engine, a 9-speed automatic transmission, standard dual 12.3" displays, and standard ProPILOT Assist. Passport offers strength and outdoor attitude, but Murano brings a calmer, more sophisticated ownership experience that fits everyday life beautifully.
| Feature | Nissan Murano® | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Standard all-wheel drive | Yes | Yes |
| Standard dual 12.3" displays | Yes | No |
| Available Google built-in | Yes | No |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | Yes | Yes |
| Available massaging front seats | Yes | No |
| Available panoramic moonroof | Yes | No |
| Standard ProPILOT Assist | Yes | No |
| Available ProPILOT Assist 2.1 | Yes | No |
| Available HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View® Monitor | Yes | No |
| Available Invisible Hood View | Yes | No |
Exterior - Nissan Dealer serving Calhoun, GA
Murano’s exterior design makes a strong first impression without trying to look oversized or overly aggressive. Its smooth surfacing, bold front-end treatment, refined lighting, and sculpted profile give it a modern presence that stands apart from more squared-off utility vehicles. The Passport projects a tougher, trail-inspired look, especially in TrailSport form, which can appeal to shoppers who prioritize off-road image. Murano, however, is better suited for buyers who want sophistication in the driveway, confidence in traffic, and a sleek appearance that still feels versatile. Available 21" machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels on Platinum models enhance its upscale character, while SV and SL trims feature 20" gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels with gloss black aero covers. Color choices such as Gun Metallic, Deep Ocean Blue Pearl, Super Black, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Everest White Pearl TriCoat add to the elegant presentation. Murano also backs up its style with practical exterior features, including available Motion Activated Liftgate access, LED low and high beam headlights, heated outside mirrors, and available exterior ground lighting. The result is an SUV that looks contemporary and refined from every angle.
Interior - 2026 Nissan Murano near Calhoun, GA
Inside, Murano feels purpose-built for drivers who want a premium sanctuary instead of a purely rugged cabin. Nissan describes the cabin as spa-like, and the details support that idea: available Venetian glass-inspired accents, available semi-aniline quilted leather-appointed seats, available climate-controlled front seats, and available massaging front seats give Murano a distinctly upscale feel. Standard dual 12.3" displays create a wide, modern command center, while available Google built-in helps simplify navigation, climate control, and voice access to compatible apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ help keep the cabin clean and cable-free, and four standard USB-C ports make it easier for passengers to stay charged. By comparison, Passport offers useful space and adventure-oriented design, but its emphasis is more rugged than refined. Murano also offers a panoramic moonroof on select trims, an available Head-Up Display, available Bose Premium Audio System, and available Memory System that can personalize settings as the driver enters. For commuting, family time, or longer drives toward Cartersville and Rockmart, Murano’s interior feels more relaxing, more polished, and more aligned with premium midsize SUV expectations.
Nissan Murano vs Honda Passport Mechanical Specs
Mechanically, Murano makes a strong case for drivers who want composure, confidence, and ease of use rather than a vehicle that feels engineered mainly for rough trails. Every Murano trim features all-wheel drive, giving shoppers a consistent capability foundation from the start. Its Intelligent AWD system continuously monitors road conditions and can respond quickly to help provide traction, which is helpful on winding rural roads, damp pavement, gravel driveways, and busy highway ramps near Calhoun, GA. The Murano also includes an independent strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, a setup that supports a smooth, planted ride. Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Trace Control, and Active Ride Control contribute to confident handling and passenger comfort. Passport counters with second-generation i-VTM4® AWD and available off-road tuned suspension, which makes sense for trail-focused shoppers. For most midsize SUV buyers, though, Murano’s mechanical tuning is likely the better daily match. It is comfortable, predictable, and easy to enjoy during commutes, errands, school schedules, and relaxed weekend travel.
Powertrain - Nissan Dealership near Calhoun, GA
Murano’s powertrain is one of its most compelling advantages for shoppers who want responsive performance without giving up refinement. Its 2.0-liter VC-Turbo® DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and it pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission designed for smooth, confident response. The VC-Turbo® design is especially noteworthy because it adjusts to deliver power or efficiency based on driving demands. That flexibility gives Murano a relaxed feel in steady cruising and a stronger response when accelerating onto the highway. Murano also offers up to 27 highway mpg and up to 1,500 lbs of maximum towing capacity, giving it practical versatility for small trailers or weekend gear. Passport takes a different approach with its most powerful Passport lineup yet, emphasizing V6 strength and trail-ready confidence. That may appeal to off-road enthusiasts, but Murano feels better aligned with shoppers who value quietness, smooth shifting, and balanced day-to-day performance. For the 2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Honda Passport decision, Murano’s powertrain feels more sophisticated for real-world driving.
Safety - Nissan Murano vs Honda Passport
Safety technology is another area where Murano makes a persuasive argument. Standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. Murano also offers Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Lane Intervention, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention®, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and front and rear sonar. Standard ProPILOT Assist helps with lane centering and stop-and-go traffic support, which can reduce fatigue during highway drives or slow-moving congestion near Calhoun, GA. Available ProPILOT Assist 2.1 adds advanced hands-off, foot-off driving capability in certain situations, giving Murano an especially modern driver-assist advantage. The available HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View® Monitor and available Invisible Hood View can help in tight parking lots, narrow driveways, and challenging maneuvering situations. Passport includes standard Honda Sensing® and available TrailWatch™, both valuable systems, but Murano’s layered suite of Nissan-branded driver assistance technologies feels broader and more tailored to everyday confidence.
Why Drivers near Calhoun, GA Choose the 2026 Nissan Murano
At Welborn Nissan of Rome, we recommend Murano for shoppers who want refined comfort, smart technology, and standard AWD confidence in one premium-feeling midsize SUV.
- Performance: The VC-Turbo® engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and Intelligent AWD help create smooth, capable daily driving.
- Comfort and technology: Standard dual 12.3" displays, available Google built-in, and available massaging front seats elevate every trip.
- Ownership experience: NissanConnect® Services, available remote features, and thoughtful cargo access make Murano easy to live with.
For shoppers near Calhoun, GA, Murano is the stronger recommendation for a premium daily SUV with advanced confidence built in.
Request more 2026 Nissan Murano information
The Passport has real strengths for shoppers who want rugged personality and trail-focused equipment, but Murano is the better fit for many local families, commuters, and professionals who want sophistication without sacrificing capability. Its standard Intelligent AWD, 241-horsepower VC-Turbo® engine, 260 lb-ft of torque, 9-speed automatic transmission, standard dual 12.3" displays, and standard ProPILOT Assist all work together to create a vehicle that feels modern, calm, and confident. Available features such as Google built-in, HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View® Monitor, Invisible Hood View, panoramic moonroof, Head-Up Display, Bose Premium Audio System, and massaging front seats push Murano into a more upscale space. If your comparison is centered on the 2026 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Honda Passport, the Nissan stands out as the more refined everyday SUV. Welborn Nissan of Rome proudly helps shoppers find a Murano that matches driving needs, comfort preferences, and technology expectations.
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