When you're shopping for a new SUV in Northeast Ohio, you want a vehicle that can handle daily commuting, family road trips, changing weather, and everything in between. Two SUVs worth considering for 2027 are the Nissan Murano and Hyundai Santa Fe.
Both SUVs offer turbocharged performance, modern technology, available or standard all-wheel drive, and comfortable interiors. However, they take distinctly different approaches. The 2027 Nissan Murano focuses on premium comfort, refined performance, standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a sophisticated two-row interior. The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe takes a more family-oriented approach with three rows of seating and a lower starting price.
For many Northeast Ohio drivers, the Murano's combination of standard AWD, upscale comfort, advanced technology, and confident all-weather capability makes it an SUV worth putting at the top of your shopping list.
2027 Nissan Murano vs. 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe: At a Glance
The 2027 Nissan Murano is a two-row SUV equipped with a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Every Murano comes with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and the SUV offers up to 27 MPG on the highway.
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe starts at a lower price and offers three rows of seating. Its standard gasoline powertrain produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while HTRAC all-wheel drive is available.
Feature 2027 Nissan Murano 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting MSRP $43,990 $35,300
Engine 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower 241 hp 277 hp
Torque 260 lb-ft 311 lb-ft
Drivetrain Intelligent AWD standard FWD or available HTRAC AWD
Transmission 9-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Seating 2 rows 3 rows
Highway MPG Up to 27 MPG Up to 29 MPG FWD
Key Focus Premium comfort and refinement Family flexibility and space
Specifications and pricing are based on current manufacturer information and may vary by trim and configuration.
Confident Performance for Northeast Ohio Roads
Northeast Ohio drivers experience a wide range of road conditions throughout the year. Snow, ice, rain, potholes, wet roads, and changing temperatures can all make confident handling especially important.
The 2027 Nissan Murano is built with those conditions in mind. Its 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine produces 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
More importantly for Northeast Ohio drivers, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive comes standard across the Murano lineup. Nissan also offers Snow Mode, giving drivers a dedicated setting designed to help the SUV manage slippery winter conditions.
The Hyundai Santa Fe produces more horsepower and torque on paper, but AWD is an available configuration rather than standard across the lineup. For shoppers who already know they want an AWD SUV, the Murano makes the decision simple.
With standard Intelligent AWD and Snow Mode, the Murano is particularly well suited to Northeast Ohio's changing weather.
A Premium Two-Row SUV Experience
One of the biggest differences between the Murano and Santa Fe is their interior philosophy.
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe offers three rows, making it an appealing choice for families who regularly need additional passenger capacity.
The 2027 Nissan Murano takes a different approach. Instead of adding a third row, Nissan concentrates on creating a spacious and comfortable environment for the first two rows.
For drivers who typically carry five or fewer passengers, this two-row configuration provides an opportunity to focus on passenger comfort, premium materials, technology, and a more refined atmosphere.
The Murano is particularly appealing for commuters, couples, families with older children, and drivers who want an SUV that feels comfortable and upscale without needing a third row.
Premium Comfort and Technology in the 2027 Nissan Murano
The interior is one of the areas where the 2027 Nissan Murano really distinguishes itself.
Depending on trim, Murano features can include:
-Panoramic moonroof
-Heated and ventilated front seats
-Available massaging front seats
-Quilted leather-appointed seating
-12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment system
-Google built-in on higher trims
-Bose Premium Audio System
-Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
These features can make a significant difference when you're spending hours commuting around Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and the surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.
While the Santa Fe also offers an impressive collection of technology and comfort features, the Murano places a stronger emphasis on creating an upscale driving environment.
For drivers who want their daily commute to feel less like a chore and more like a comfortable experience, the Murano deserves a close look.
Standard AWD Is a Major Murano Advantage
For Northeast Ohio drivers, all-wheel drive can be an important consideration.
Winter weather can bring snow, ice, slush, and unpredictable road conditions. Having an SUV equipped for changing conditions can provide added confidence throughout the year.
The 2027 Nissan Murano comes standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Nissan also provides Snow Mode to help the Murano respond to slippery conditions.
The Santa Fe offers HTRAC AWD on applicable configurations, with the XRT trim including AWD. However, shoppers looking specifically for an SUV where AWD is standard throughout the Murano lineup have a straightforward option with Nissan.
That standard AWD capability is one of the reasons the Murano makes sense for drivers throughout Northeast Ohio.
Fuel Economy for Everyday Driving
Fuel economy is another consideration, particularly for drivers who spend a lot of time commuting.
The 2027 Nissan Murano is rated at up to 21 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, with a combined rating of 23 MPG.
The gasoline-powered 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe is rated at up to 29 MPG highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration, while AWD versions are rated at up to 28 MPG highway.
The Santa Fe has an advantage when comparing its FWD configuration for maximum highway fuel economy. However, drivers who want AWD as part of their SUV configuration may appreciate the Murano's combination of turbocharged performance, standard Intelligent AWD, and competitive fuel economy.
What Do You Get for the Murano's Higher Starting Price?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has a lower starting MSRP of $35,300, compared with $43,990 for the 2027 Nissan Murano.
However, price alone doesn't tell the whole story.
The Murano is positioned as a more premium two-row SUV, and its equipment reflects that approach. The entry-level SL includes features such as 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Nissan Safety Shield 360, and Intelligent Around View Monitor technology.
You're also getting standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive across the Murano lineup.
For shoppers considering the Murano, it's worth looking beyond the starting MSRP and comparing the features, comfort, drivetrain, technology, and amenities included with the vehicle you're actually considering.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
The 2027 Nissan Murano also provides an extensive collection of safety and driver-assistance technology.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 is included, along with an HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor. These technologies can provide added awareness when navigating parking lots, driveways, busy streets, and other everyday driving situations.
Depending on trim and configuration, the Murano also offers additional driver-assistance and convenience technologies.
The Santa Fe likewise offers a variety of standard and available safety technologies. As with any SUV comparison, shoppers should review the exact equipment included with the trims they're considering.
For Nissan shoppers, however, the Murano's combination of Safety Shield 360, available advanced technologies, and Around View Monitor helps make it a well-equipped choice for everyday Northeast Ohio driving.
Why Choose the 2027 Nissan Murano?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has some notable strengths, particularly for drivers who need three rows of seating or want a lower starting MSRP.
But the 2027 Nissan Murano is designed around a different set of priorities.
The Murano may be particularly appealing if you prioritize:
-Standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
-Snow Mode for winter driving
-A premium two-row SUV experience
-241-horsepower VC-Turbo performance
-Upscale interior materials and amenities
-Available heated and ventilated front seats
-Available massaging front seats
-Panoramic moonroof
-12.3-inch NissanConnect infotainment
-Available Google built-in
-Bose Premium Audio
-Nissan Safety Shield 360
-Intelligent Around View Monitor
-A refined and comfortable daily-driving experience
If you don't regularly need a third row, the Murano's two-row configuration allows Nissan to focus on passenger comfort, technology, and refinement.
Experience the 2027 Nissan Murano at Fred Martin Nissan
For Northeast Ohio drivers searching for a premium, comfortable, and capable SUV, the 2027 Nissan Murano brings together turbocharged performance, standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, Snow Mode, modern technology, and an upscale two-row interior.
The Hyundai Santa Fe offers three-row flexibility and a lower starting price, but the Murano takes a different approach. It focuses on comfort, refinement, technology, standard AWD, and an elevated everyday driving experience.
If you're shopping for a new SUV in Akron or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, visit Fred Martin Nissan to learn more about the 2027 Nissan Murano, explore available features, and experience what sets Nissan's midsize SUV apart.
Fred Martin Nissan — Your local Nissan dealer for new Nissan trucks, SUVs, and cars.
3388 South Arlington Rd
Akron, OH 44312
(330) 644-8888
fredmartinnissan.com