Do you really need three rows of seats? If fewer than five people live in your house, probably not. Midsize 2-row SUVs offer a nice middle ground between a smaller compact SUV and a pricier, less efficient full-size SUV. When there’s not a third row of seats in the way, you get a large cargo hold and plenty of passenger space to boot. Two appealing options in this class are the all-new 2025 Mazda CX-70 and the redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano. Let’s see how these comfortable cruisers compare.
2025 Mazda CX-70
The Mazda CX-70 is an all-new model for 2025. It’s essentially a 2-row version of the Mazda CX-90. Like the CX-90, it’s an upscale SUV with a lovely interior and a driving character that’s a nice balance of sporty and comfy. Pricing starts at $41,900.
Mazda CX-70 Highlights
More powerful and efficient: The mild-hybrid turbocharged 6-cylinder engine in the Mazda CX-70 produces 280 horsepower in base form and 340 hp in the higher S trims. It brings more driving excitement than the 241-hp 4-cylinder engine that powers every Murano.
Available plug-in hybrid: The Mazda CX-70’s available plug-in hybrid powertrain gives it an all-electric driving range of 25 miles and is as efficient as the non-hybrid CX-70 when the battery is depleted. The Murano has no hybrid options.
Interior space: The Mazda CX-70 has a little extra cargo space behind the back seats compared to the Nissan Murano, adding to its versatility and practicality. It also has more rear legroom than the Nissan.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-70 models near you.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano enters its fourth generation as an established veteran in the midsize SUV class. It upholds its reputation of delivering a premium interior and driving experience without the price tag of a luxury SUV. Pricing starts at $41,860.
Nissan Murano Highlights
Zero Gravity seats: We love Nissan’s carefully engineered Zero Gravity seats, which are comfortable even on long drives. The Murano has Zero Gravity seats in the front and in the back, so there’s no bad seat in this SUV.
Standard dual 12.3-inch displays: Dual 12.3-inch displays come standard in every Nissan Murano, bringing a high-tech look and feel to the interior. The Mazda CX-70 has a similar setup, but it requires upgrading to one of the Premium trims.
Available two-tone roof: A stylish option we appreciate on the Nissan Murano is a two-tone contrast roof available with five different paint options. We’re quite fond of the Aurora Blue Pearl paint with the black roof.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Nissan Murano models near you.
Similarities
These two midsize SUVs have two-row seating, similar sizing, and similar price tags, at least for the non-S models of the Mazda. They’re also similarly equipped with modern safety and infotainment technologies.
Conclusion
The Mazda CX-70 generally brings more to the table than the Nissan Murano. The Mazda CX-70 delivers better performance while returning better fuel economy, more cargo and rear leg room, a sportier engine tuning available, and a plug-in hybrid option. The new 2025 Nissan Murano is a nice improvement over its predecessor, and we love the seats, but for our money, we’ll take the Mazda.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-70 Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda CX-70 | 2025 Nissan Murano | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.3-liter turbo 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/AWD | 9-speed automatic/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/28 hwy/25 combined mpg | 23 city/24 hwy/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 340-hp turbo 6-cylinder, PHEV | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 Years/36,000 Miles | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 Years/60,000 Miles | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 111.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 192.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.0 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 67.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.3 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.6 cubic feet | 32.9 cubic feet |