Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano: Which Midsize SUV Is Better?

Choosing between the Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano used to be one of those classic midsize-SUV debates: sporty Ford or comfortable Nissan? Today, though, the comparison has changed.

The Ford Edge has reached the end of its production run, with the 2024 model representing the final U.S. model year. Ford now officially describes the Edge as retired. The Nissan Murano, meanwhile, entered a completely redesigned generation for 2025 and continues into 2026 with a turbocharged engine, modern cabin technology, and a decidedly upscale personality.

That does not make the Edge irrelevant. Far from it.

For used-SUV shoppers, a late-model Edge can offer a tempting combination of space, turbocharged power, standard all-wheel drive, useful towing ability, and potentially attractive depreciation-adjusted pricing. The Murano attacks from another direction. It feels newer, looks more sophisticated, and prioritizes comfort like a lounge chair that happens to travel at highway speed.

So which SUV deserves our money?

Let's compare performance, interior space, comfort, cargo capacity, technology, towing, fuel economy, reliability considerations, and overall value to determine which one makes more sense.

Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano at a Glance

Before we dig into the details, here is the broad picture.

The numbers immediately expose the central difference.

The Edge is the more utilitarian athlete. The Murano is the more luxurious cruiser.

That distinction becomes increasingly obvious once we drive deeper into the comparison.

The Biggest Difference: One Is Retired, One Is New

This matters more than any horsepower figure.

Ford has ended Edge production and describes the SUV as retired, meaning shoppers looking for one today will primarily encounter used or certified pre-owned vehicles rather than a current new-model lineup.

The Murano sits at the opposite end of the life-cycle spectrum.

Nissan introduced an all-new Murano for the 2025 model year, replacing the longtime V6/CVT powertrain with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Murano continues that formula.

That gives the Nissan several natural advantages.

Its electronics are newer. Its interior design is more contemporary. Its available comfort features are more ambitious. And buying new gives owners access to a full factory warranty from day one.

The Edge counters with something equally important: depreciation.

A two- or three-year-old SUV can sometimes deliver a lot more vehicle for the money than a freshly redesigned competitor.

Does the Edge Being Discontinued Make It a Bad Buy?

Not necessarily.

Discontinuation sounds alarming because we instinctively imagine parts disappearing and dealerships refusing to touch the vehicle. That usually exaggerates the reality.

Ford sold substantial numbers of Edges over many years. Routine service components, maintenance items, tires, brakes, filters, and many mechanical parts should therefore remain widely available.

The more important question is whether we are comfortable buying a vehicle whose platform will no longer receive new generations.

If we want the newest cabin technology and an actively evolving model line, the Murano makes considerably more sense.

If we simply want a roomy two-row SUV and intend to keep it for several years, the Edge's retirement alone should not automatically eliminate it.

Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano Performance

Here the Ford begins throwing punches.

The mainstream 2024 Edge uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing roughly 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

The 2026 Murano's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Nissan pairs it with a nine-speed automatic.

On paper, those outputs are relatively close.

In character, however, they are different.

The Murano's drivetrain suits its mission. It provides adequate power without trying to convince anyone that they bought a sports SUV. Acceleration is there when we need it, but comfort remains the priority.

The Edge feels somewhat more conventional and assertive.

And then there is the Edge ST.

Ford Edge ST Changes the Conversation

The Edge ST turns an otherwise sensible family crossover into something noticeably more mischievous.

Its 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 produces about 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, giving the Edge considerably stronger performance than the Murano.

That is not a subtle advantage.

The standard Edge and Murano are playing the same game. The Edge ST walks onto another field carrying a bigger bat.

Drivers who enjoy quick highway passing, stronger acceleration, and a more energetic personality will probably find the ST far more interesting.

The downside is predictable: additional performance generally means greater fuel consumption and potentially higher long-term operating costs.

Which SUV Feels Quicker?

For ordinary trims, the difference is less dramatic than specifications may suggest.

Both have enough power for everyday driving.

Choose the Edge ST, though, and Ford wins the acceleration argument decisively.

Ride Comfort: Murano Strikes Back

Power is only one side of the equation.

Many midsize crossover buyers care more about what happens after two hours behind the wheel.

This is where the Murano shines.

The modern Murano's entire cabin philosophy revolves around comfort. Nissan promotes available ventilated and massaging front seats, quilted leather-appointed upholstery, an available panoramic moonroof, active noise-management technology, and dual 12.3-inch displays.

The experience feels intentionally calming.

The Edge is comfortable too, particularly in Titanium trim, but its interior belongs to an older generation of vehicle design. It offers plenty of useful equipment without creating quite the same upscale atmosphere.

Think of the difference this way: the Edge is a comfortable hotel room; the Murano is trying to be the hotel spa.

Handling and Driving Character

If comfort belongs to Nissan, driving personality leans toward Ford.

The Edge feels planted and substantial, and its standard AWD configuration on late U.S. models adds confidence when pavement becomes wet or slippery.

Its steering and chassis tuning generally emphasize stability without making the vehicle feel excessively soft.

The ST pushes things further, giving enthusiastic drivers an option the Murano simply does not provide.

The Murano is not clumsy. It simply has different priorities.

Its personality says, "Relax, we'll get there."

The Edge ST says, "Why don't we get there slightly sooner?"

Neither philosophy is objectively better. The winner depends entirely on what we want from the driver's seat.

Interior Design: Nissan Has the Newer Cabin

Climb inside the latest Murano after spending time in a late-model Edge and the generational difference becomes obvious.

The Nissan dashboard looks cleaner and more architectural. Twin 12.3-inch displays dominate the front of the cabin, while higher trims introduce upscale materials and comfort equipment that push the Murano toward entry-level luxury territory.

The Edge's interior remains functional but less visually dramatic.

Ford's large vertically oriented SYNC touchscreen gave later Edges an impressively tech-heavy centerpiece, yet the underlying dashboard architecture dates from an earlier era.

That means the difference is not necessarily about usability.

It is about atmosphere.

The Edge feels practical.

The Murano feels deliberately premium.

Which Has Better Seats?

For pure seating indulgence, we would pick the Murano.

Available heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats help transform long journeys into something much less tiring. Nissan clearly invested heavily in making occupants feel pampered.

The Edge remains spacious and supportive, but the Murano offers a more distinctive comfort experience.

Passenger Space

Both vehicles are five-passenger two-row SUVs, which means neither forces third-row compromises into the equation.

That is important.

A two-row midsize crossover can dedicate more of its wheelbase and roofline to passenger comfort and cargo space instead of squeezing occasional passengers behind the rear axle.

The Edge has always been particularly good at providing generous cabin space.

Rear-seat passengers enjoy enough room for adult-sized journeys, making the Ford appealing for families whose children have already grown beyond child-seat age.

The Murano is also roomy, and Nissan lists approximately 112 cubic feet of passenger volume for the current model without the moonroof.

For four adults traveling long distances, neither vehicle should feel like punishment.

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Still, the cabins deliver their room differently: Ford emphasizes straightforward space, while Nissan wraps comparable practicality in a more luxurious presentation.

Cargo Space: Ford Edge Wins

This is one of the clearest victories in the entire Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano comparison.

The late-generation Edge provides approximately 39.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Murano provides approximately 32.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded.

That difference can become surprisingly noticeable in real life.

A spreadsheet may see seven or ten cubic feet.

A family sees another suitcase.

A dog owner sees breathing room.

A homeowner sees space for the flat-pack furniture they promised themselves would somehow fit.

If cargo carrying is a major priority, the Edge is the stronger choice.

Which SUV Is Better for Road Trips?

This becomes an intriguing split decision.

The Murano offers the more relaxing cabin.

The Edge offers more room for luggage.

If two people are touring for a week, we'd probably prefer the Murano's plush atmosphere.

If four people are carrying suitcases, backpacks, coolers, sports equipment, and all the mysterious objects that accumulate on family vacations, the Edge's larger cargo hold becomes difficult to ignore.

Technology and Infotainment

Late-model Edges are hardly technological dinosaurs.

Ford's SYNC 4A infotainment setup with a large portrait-style screen still gives the cabin a digital focal point and supports modern smartphone connectivity.

But the newest Murano benefits from arriving several years later.

The current Nissan combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration. Four USB-C ports and wireless charging are standard on the 2026 SV according to Nissan's brochure.

Higher trims pile additional equipment onto that foundation.

This does not mean every owner will prefer Nissan's interface. Large screens are only useful when menus make sense and frequently used controls remain easy to access.

Still, judged purely on freshness and presentation, the Murano takes this round.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both SUVs belong to the modern era of active driver-assistance technology, so buyers can find features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-related assistance, and rear cross-traffic warnings depending on specification.

The current Murano goes further with Nissan's latest suite of systems.

The 2026 lineup includes Nissan Safety Shield technologies, while available versions of ProPILOT Assist can reduce workload during compatible highway driving situations. The 2026 Murano has also received a five-star overall NHTSA safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, according to Nissan's current model page.

A used Edge should always be evaluated based on its exact trim, packages, model year, accident history, and whether every sensor and camera operates properly.

Technology lists look wonderful in advertisements. Properly functioning hardware matters more when the vehicle is several years old.

Fuel Economy

Neither SUV is a hybrid efficiency champion, but both can deliver reasonable highway economy for their size.

The regular 2.0-liter 2024 Edge AWD is rated around 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The more powerful Edge ST drops to approximately 19 city and 25 highway.

The 2026 Murano reaches up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, according to Nissan.

That makes the difference fairly small in ordinary driving.

Anyone expecting dramatic savings simply because the new Murano uses a four-cylinder engine instead of the previous Murano's V6 may therefore be disappointed.

For serious fuel savings, a hybrid competitor may be more appropriate than either of these SUVs.

Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano Towing Capacity

Now Ford delivers another decisive victory.

A properly equipped 2024 Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds, depending on engine and towing equipment. Ford's towing guide lists that maximum for properly configured versions, including the Edge ST.

The 2026 Murano tops out at 1,500 pounds.

That is a major difference.

The Nissan can handle modest recreational loads within its rating.

The Edge gives owners much greater flexibility.

For someone who occasionally pulls a small camper, utility trailer, personal watercraft, or similarly sized load, Ford's additional capacity may be the deciding factor.

Best Choice for Towing

Edge.

No complicated explanation needed.

Just remember that towing ratings depend on configuration, hitch equipment, cargo, passengers, tongue weight, and other limits. Never assume every Edge can automatically tow the advertised maximum.

All-Wheel Drive and Bad-Weather Confidence

Late U.S.-market Ford Edges came with AWD, giving the Ford a straightforward advantage for buyers who wanted all-wheel traction without climbing through an options sheet.

The current Murano also offers a sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup, and Nissan's 2026 U.S. brochure lists Intelligent AWD on the SV.

Neither should be confused with a serious body-on-frame off-roader.

These vehicles are designed for pavement, snow-covered roads, gravel drives, and ordinary crossover adventures—not boulder crawling through the wilderness.

For that mission, both make sense.

Tires, however, matter enormously.

Even the cleverest AWD system cannot magically turn worn all-season tires into winter tires.

Exterior Styling

Here the argument becomes wonderfully subjective.

The Edge has an athletic, fairly traditional crossover shape. The ST adds a little extra aggression without looking like someone attacked the body with a box of fake vents.

The newest Murano is much more dramatic.

Its smooth surfaces, narrow lighting elements, broad stance, and cleaner detailing give it an almost concept-car appearance from certain angles.

We suspect the Nissan will attract more people who buy partly with their eyes.

The Ford disappears into traffic more easily.

Depending on our personality, that can be either a criticism or a compliment.

Which Design Will Age Better?

Conservative styling often ages gracefully because it never leans too heavily into a particular trend.

That could favor the Edge.

The Murano's appearance is bolder, though, and bold designs sometimes remain interesting long after safer alternatives start looking anonymous.

Call this one personal preference.

Reliability Considerations

Reliability is more complicated than assigning one badge a gold star.

Vehicle age, maintenance history, mileage, climate, previous repairs, driving style, and specific powertrain matter enormously.

That is particularly important because buyers are unlikely to be comparing equally old examples.

A 2026 Murano may still be nearly new.

A 2021 or 2022 Edge could already have accumulated substantial mileage.

We therefore should not evaluate reliability by nameplate alone.

The Murano's new-generation 2.0-liter VC-Turbo and nine-speed automatic combination is newer in this application, which means long-term Murano-specific durability data will naturally be less complete than for a platform that has spent years on the road.

The Edge, meanwhile, gives used buyers a larger pool of owner experiences and service histories to examine, but age itself introduces wear.

Our best approach is simple: inspect the individual vehicle rather than buying a reputation.

Maintenance Costs

Routine maintenance should remain manageable for both models, but the purchasing context again matters.

A new Murano benefits from new-car warranty coverage.

A used Edge may cost much less upfront, yet the buyer assumes more responsibility for wear items and unexpected repairs depending on age and mileage.

The Edge ST deserves additional attention.

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Its twin-turbo V6 offers excellent performance, but performance-oriented hardware tends to create more potential expense than a basic drivetrain as years and mileage accumulate.

That does not make it unreliable. It simply means a neglected ST is a very different proposition from a well-maintained one with complete records.

Whenever we evaluate a used Edge, service history should carry almost as much weight as trim level.

Used Ford Edge vs Used Nissan Murano

Now the comparison becomes more balanced.

If we're shopping the used market and comparing similarly aged examples from before the Murano's 2025 redesign, the Nissan behaves differently from today's version.

Older Muranos commonly use Nissan's naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 paired with a continuously variable transmission.

That drivetrain delivers smooth power and gives those vehicles a completely different character from the new turbocharged Murano.

Consequently, we should avoid assuming that conclusions about the 2026 Murano automatically apply to a 2019 or 2022 Murano.

Likewise, Edge specifications vary by trim and year.

Used shopping always demands precision.

Compare exact year against exact year.

Ford Edge Advantages

If we had to summarize the Edge's strongest qualities, they would be:

• More cargo capacity.
• Up to 3,500 pounds of towing when properly equipped.
• Strong standard turbocharged performance.
• Much stronger acceleration from the Edge ST.
• Standard AWD on late U.S. versions.
• Potentially attractive used-market value.
• Spacious passenger accommodations.

Those strengths explain why the Edge remains worth considering even though Ford no longer builds it.

It is not winning because it is newer.

It is winning because it can still be extremely useful.

Nissan Murano Advantages

The Murano's appeal comes from a different direction.

Its cabin is fresher, more stylish, and more luxurious. Available massaging and ventilated seats give it an almost premium-brand flavor, while dual 12.3-inch displays make the Edge's older architecture look less contemporary.

The current Murano also gives shoppers the benefits associated with buying a vehicle that remains in active production.

For someone who prioritizes quietness, interior ambiance, comfort technology, and modern styling, the Murano is difficult to dismiss.

Which SUV Is Better for Families?

Our answer depends on what kind of family we are talking about.

Families carrying strollers, sports bags, camping equipment, groceries, and large dogs may appreciate the Edge's bigger cargo hold.

Families whose children spend hours in the rear seats during long highway trips may love the Murano's calm, upscale atmosphere.

Neither gives us a third row.

If seven seats are mandatory, both should leave the shopping list immediately.

For families needing only five seats, the Edge is the more practical box while the Murano is the more sophisticated one.

Which Is Better for Commuting?

Murano, by a modest margin.

Its mission aligns beautifully with commuting: comfortable seats, contemporary electronics, good sound insulation, available driver-assistance technology, and an interior designed to reduce stress rather than elevate our pulse.

The regular Edge is perfectly suitable for commuting, but its biggest advantages—cargo capacity and towing—may not matter during a 20-mile office drive.

The Edge ST certainly makes that commute more entertaining, though.

Whether arriving at work 20 seconds happier justifies the fuel bill is between us and our wallets.

Which Is Better for Outdoor Adventures?

We would lean toward the Edge.

Why?

Cargo space and towing capacity.

Those are boring specifications right up until we need them. Then they become everything.

Bicycles, camping gear, coolers, inflatable kayaks, hiking equipment, muddy boots, and trailers quickly expose the difference between a crossover designed around style and one with a little more utility in its bones.

The Murano can absolutely handle weekend adventures.

The Edge simply gives us a larger toolbox.

Which Feels More Premium?

Murano.

The difference is not really close when comparing the current Murano with the final-generation Edge.

Nissan's latest interior design, available quilted leather appointments, available massaging seats, panoramic roof, and modern displays give the vehicle a genuine near-luxury character.

A high-spec Edge Titanium can still feel comfortable and well equipped.

But the Murano feels like a newer interpretation of luxury.

Which Is Better for Driving Enthusiasts?

Edge ST.

Again, this one barely requires debate.

With its twin-turbo V6 producing around 335 horsepower, the ST offers a level of acceleration and character that the current 241-horsepower Murano does not attempt to match.

The Nissan is about serenity.

The ST brings caffeine.

Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano: Value for Money

Value becomes fascinating because we are no longer comparing two equivalent new vehicles.

The Murano offers new-car freshness.

The Edge offers used-car depreciation.

A clean, low-mileage Edge can therefore represent tremendous value if its asking price has fallen sufficiently below a new Murano.

We should not focus solely on purchase price, though.

Factor in financing, warranty coverage, tires, brakes, scheduled maintenance, insurance, expected repairs, and resale value.

Sometimes the cheaper car is cheaper because somebody else already absorbed the painful first years of depreciation.

Sometimes it is cheaper because expensive maintenance is approaching.

A pre-purchase inspection can help us discover which story we are looking at.

Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano: Which Should We Buy?

If we're shopping for a brand-new vehicle, the question is effectively answered by availability: the Murano remains a current model, while Ford has retired the Edge.

For used shoppers, however, the choice becomes genuinely interesting.

Choose the Ford Edge if cargo space, towing capacity, strong turbocharged performance, AWD, and purchase value rank highest on our list.

Choose the Nissan Murano if comfort, interior design, technology, refinement, and a more premium driving environment matter more.

And if performance sits at the top of everything?

Find a good Edge ST.

It is the wild card that makes this comparison much more entertaining.

Final Verdict

The Ford Edge vs Nissan Murano debate does not produce one universal winner because these SUVs solve the midsize-crossover problem in noticeably different ways.

The Edge is like a reliable pair of hiking boots. It gives us room, traction, towing capability, and—in ST form—a surprisingly muscular personality. Its biggest weakness today is simply time. The design is older, production has ended, and every available example will increasingly be a used vehicle.

The Murano is more like a comfortable travel jacket: stylish, soft, modern, and designed to make the journey pleasant. The redesigned model delivers a sophisticated cabin, modern screens, strong comfort features, and a smooth turbocharged drivetrain.

For utility, we choose the Ford Edge.

For comfort and modernity, we choose the Nissan Murano.

For performance, the Edge ST wins easily.

For someone buying new today, the Murano is the obvious contender because the Edge has left Ford's current lineup.

And for the savvy used-SUV shopper? A well-maintained Edge at the right price may still be one of the more interesting values hiding in plain sight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Edge bigger than the Nissan Murano?

They occupy broadly similar two-row midsize-crossover territory, but the Edge offers substantially more usable cargo capacity. A late-model Edge provides around 39.2 cubic feet behind its rear seats and approximately 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, compared with roughly 32.9 and 63.5 cubic feet respectively for the 2026 Murano.

Which is faster, Ford Edge or Nissan Murano?

A standard 2.0-liter Edge and current Murano are reasonably close in output, with approximately 250 horsepower for the Edge and 241 horsepower for the Murano. The Edge ST is much more powerful, producing around 335 horsepower from its 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6.

Which can tow more, Ford Edge or Nissan Murano?

The Ford Edge wins comfortably. A properly equipped 2024 Edge can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while Nissan rates the 2026 Murano for up to 1,500 pounds.

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Is the Ford Edge discontinued?

Yes. Ford states that the Edge is retired and that 2024 marked the end of its U.S. model run. The company now directs shoppers toward other Ford SUVs and certified pre-owned Edge vehicles.

Is a Nissan Murano better than a Ford Edge?

It depends on our priorities. The current Murano is better for buyers seeking a newer, more luxurious interior and comfort-oriented experience. The Edge is better for buyers who prioritize cargo room, towing, used-market value, or the much stronger performance available from the Edge ST.

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