If you’re thinking about buying a used crossover SUV, the Toyota Harrier and Nissan Murano are two strong contenders. What are their similarities and differences? We break down pricing, features, driveability, and more in this car comparison showdown.
The Toyota Harrier
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The Toyota Harrier is a midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been available since December 1997. Built with a variety of the best Toyota transmission and engine technologies introduced by other models like the RAV4, the Harrier also stands out within the crossover SUV class thanks to vibration and insulation dampers that make it extremely quiet to drive.
The Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a five door midsize crossover SUV that has been available since May 2002. Marketed as a sporty vehicle for active families, the award-winning Murano was the sole crossover SUV sold in the US until 2007 due to its immense popularity. The Nissan Murano has received several awards and recognition for its outstanding features. For example, in 2010, the model received the best and highest ratings on the front, side, and rear impact evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Pricing and Features Comparison
The current cost of a used Toyota Harrier is around $1,600 to $6,300 when bought through BE FORWARD. It comes with an abundance of standard features including airbags, power steering, CD player, power windows, and A/C.
Side view of a used 2006 Toyota Harrier
With a seating arrangement for up to five passengers and five doors, it is spacious and convenient for transporting larger amounts of people or cargo. The car’s main fuel type is petrol, and it has an automatic transmission system that is also offered with four-wheel drive (4WD) capabilities.
On the other hand, the Nissan Murano is a bit cheaper than the Toyota Harrier. A used Murano listed on BE FORWARD can be bought for around $1,400 to $5,200, and offers smooth handling and overall vehicle control along with a high-quality interior and comfortable seating.
Side view of a used 2008 Nissan Murano
Equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain and automatic transmission, the Murano can accommodate up to five passengers and features quick folding seats, stability control, and a surprisingly heavy towing capacity among its many features.
Make/Model: Toyota Harrier
Average Used BF Price*: ~$1,600 to ~$6,300
Make/Model: Nissan Murano
Average used BF Price*: ~$1,400 to ~$5,200
*Based on average 2017 BE FORWARD pricing
Interior and Exterior Comparison
The Toyota Harrier has a number of enticing interior features. Some of them include a nanoe-G air conditioner, a multi-information display with optitron meter, advanced Toyota telematics system, electric twin sunroof, large luggage space, and ergonomic powered seats. For safety purposes, it is fitted with an adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, a pre-crash safety system, and an automatic high beam.
Interior of a used 2007 Toyota Harrier
The Harrier’s exterior is also equipped with a hidden hawk grille and vertical daytime running lights, accompanied by sequential turn signals, aerodynamic lights and contours, advanced rear combination lights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a power back door with memory function.
The Nissan Murano offers a classy interior design. It is fitted with 11 music speakers, heated power front seats, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, mobile phone connectivity, vehicle stability control, pre-tensioner front seats, and many more useful features.
Interior of a used 2007 Nissan Murano
Its exterior is fitted with fog lights, power mirrors, rear spoiler, and xenon headlights along with a design styling that incorporates sleek curves to make it visually pleasing as well as ergonomic.
Make/Model: Toyota Harrier
Passengers: 5
Notable Features: Power seats, cruise control, pre-crash system
Make/Model: Nissan Murano
Passengers: 5
Notable Features: Stability control, pre-tensioner seating, fog lights
Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
The Toyota Harrier has a 2.4-liter engine with four straight cylinders, and it gives a maximum power of 118 kW at 5600 rpm and a torque of 221 nm at 4000 rpm. The Harrier has marginally less power and torque generation compared to the Nissan Murano model, and has a tank fuel capacity of around 72 liters with an EFI fuel system.
Engine of a used Toyota Harrier
Its main engine coolant is water, while the main fuel is gasoline or petrol. The car has a displacement capacity of 2362 cc, and it has a fuel consumption rate of around 12.4 liters/100 km in urban settings and 9.8 liters/100 km on highways.
The Nissan Murano has an engine size of 3.5 liters with V6 cylinders. The model gives a maximum torque of 336 nm at 4400 rpm and a maximum power of 191 Kw at 6000 rpm, and it also boasts a Continuous Variable Transmission. The Murano has an average fuel tank capacity of 82 liters, and a fuel consumption rate of 10.9 liters/100 kilometers. Evidently, the Toyota Harrier has a lower fuel consumption rate than the Nissan Murano.
Engine of a used 2005 Nissan Murano
Make/Model: Toyota Harrier
Engine: ~1,980cc to ~2,990cc
Make/Model: Nissan Murano
Engine: ~2,480cc to ~3,490cc
Driveability and Handling Comparison
The Toyota Harrier offers a slightly better driving experience over the Nissan Murano. In particular, with the inclusion of a lane departure assist system, handling the car becomes quite effortless. The Nissan Murano also gives a solid driving experience, thanks to its user-friendly controls and responsive transmission and powertrain.
Rear of a used 2005 Toyota Harrier
For drivers who prefer power and torque, the Nissan Murano provides a better experience compared to the Toyota Harrier. However, in contrast, the Harrier has a somewhat better fuel efficiency than the Murano.
Toyota Harrier vs. Nissan Murano: Verdict
While the Toyota Harrier provides strong drivability due to its safety features, classy interior, and attractive exterior, the Nissan Murano holds its own as an equally formidable crossover SUV.
Rear of a used 2010 Nissan Murano
Ultimately, for those in the market for an affordable used compact SUV, the choice will come down to a matter of personal preference in regard to the budget, desired features, and overall design aesthetics of these two popular cars. For drivers who prefer power and torque, the Nissan Murano provides a better experience compared to the Toyota Harrier. However, in contrast, the Harrier has somewhat better fuel efficiency than the Murano.
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