2026 Nissan Murano Gets Hands-Free Driving: But Is Honda’s Passport Better?
Nissan has quietly updated its Murano for the 2026 model year, adding new features and streamlining its lineup. The most significant addition is the availability of ProPilot Assist 2.1, offering hands-free driving capability. This comes amidst a busy period for Nissan, which recently unveiled the all-new Sentra and a revised Leaf EV. Here’s a comparison of the updated Murano against one of the segment’s top mid-size crossovers, the Honda Passport, to see which vehicle better suits different buyers.
New Hands-Free Driving and Standard AWD for Murano
For 2026, Nissan has removed the base front-wheel-drive Murano SV, making all models standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The prices of the remaining three trims remain unchanged:
- Murano SV AWD: $41,470
- Murano SL AWD: $46,560
- Murano Platinum AWD: $49,600
While the effective starting price is now $1,000 higher than the outgoing model (due to the FWD trim removal), the Murano is still cheaper than the Honda Passport, which starts at $44,750. The headline feature is ProPilot Assist 2.1, a significant upgrade that allows for hands-off driving on compatible roads, managing steering, acceleration, and braking. However, this advanced system is only available on the top Platinum trim as part of the $2,900 Technology Package. The Honda Passport does not offer hands-free driving.
Murano’s Comfort and Tech vs. Passport’s Rugged Power
Nissan’s Murano excels in comfort and luxury-oriented features. It can be equipped with massaging front seats, a Bose sound system, acoustic side windows, and a panoramic moonroof, many of which are more accessible at lower price points than in the Passport. It’s also more economical on fuel.
However, the Honda Passport holds several advantages, especially for those seeking rugged capability:
- Engine: The Passport boasts a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Murano’s 2.0-liter turbo-four (241 hp/260 lb-ft). Many buyers also trust the long-term reliability of a larger V6.
- Towing: The Passport’s V6 enables a 5,000 lbs towing capacity, significantly higher than the Murano’s 1,500 lbs.
- Off-Road: Most Passport trims are TrailSport models, featuring all-terrain tires, specific driving modes for varied terrain, an underbody skid plate, an off-road tuned suspension, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance (matching the Murano). The Murano lacks these dedicated off-road enhancements.
Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Your Needs
For everyday commuting, school runs, and grocery trips, the 2026 Nissan Murano appears to be the more suitable choice. It offers numerous comfort features, a lower overall price point, better fuel economy, and the added convenience of available hands-free driving.
But if your needs include more demanding tasks like significant towing or light off-road adventures, the Honda Passport emerges as the stronger contender. While it comes with a higher price tag and potentially greater fuel costs for its V6 engine, its power, robust towing capacity, and off-road oriented features make it a more versatile option for active lifestyles.
Also Read – 2026 Toyota GR 86 Yuzu Edition Unveiled: Performance Package & Yellow PaintMeta
