The 2023 Nissan Murano is a premium midsize SUV. It’s a little pricier than other Nissan models, but it compensates with more distinct styling and an upscale interior. One of the Murano’s biggest competitors is another premium crossover, the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Still, a quick comparison shows the 2023 Nissan Murano offers a few advantages over its more popular rival.

1. The 2023 Nissan Murano costs thousands less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee

According to Nissan, the base-model Murano S with front-wheel drive starts at $33,660. You can add all-wheel drive to any trim for $1,700. The SV trim starts at $37,200, and the all-new Midnight Edition retails for $38,790. 

Starting at $41,160, the Nissan Murano SL gives you access to some of the most luxurious features. And the range-topping Murano Platinum retails for $45,210. Even with AWD, it’s still cheaper than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve (starting at $68,550).

According to Jeep, the cheapest Grand Cherokee costs at least $41,395 — over $7,700 more than the standard Murano. However, the Grand Cherokee comes with a few more standard safety features than the Murano. The Jeep also has more available driver’s aids, but you can’t access them unless you buy the Limited trim.

The mid-grade Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is already on par with the most expensive Murano at $48,215. Upgrading to AWD costs $2,000. To get more safety tech and some convenience features, you’ll also have to spend thousands more on options packages. 

2. The 2023 Nissan Murano gets better gas mileage than the Grand Cherokee

The 2023 Nissan Murano packs a standard 260-hp V6 engine and an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. EPA estimates are 20/28 mpg city/highway regardless of FWD or AWD, Nissan says. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a few engine choices. According to Stellantis, the standard V6 produces 293 hp. All of the engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though this engine boasts more power than the Murano’s, it gets only 19/26 mpg city/highway. 

With the optional 357-hp V8 (which can be optioned only with AWD), the Grand Cherokee earns an abysmal 14/22 mpg city/highway. Only the Grand Cherokee with the hybrid powertrain is on par with the Murano in fuel efficiency.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also slower than the Nissan Murano. With the V6, the former needs 7.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Car and Driver testers note the Murano can hit that speed in as little as 7.3 seconds. But both vehicles provide smooth, quiet rides.

3. The Murano benefits from a lower curb weight

The 2023 Nissan Murano weighs 3,865 pounds without cargo or passengers. When safely loaded, the Murano weighs only 5,110 pounds. Edmunds says the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a curb weight of 4,238 pounds and a gross weight of 6,050 pounds.

For some drivers with multiple family members, a vehicle with a higher payload capacity is better. However, that can also affect the vehicle’s stability and trigger some body roll in corners. The Nissan Murano still provides ample cargo space to satisfy most owners while providing excellent gas mileage at a reasonable price.