Mitsubishi
Endeavor
Owner report available
Nissan
Murano
Owner report available
Mitsubishi Endeavor vs Nissan Murano
The short answer
Based on available data, the Nissan Murano comes out ahead of the Mitsubishi Endeavor on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Endeavor
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive for long-term reliability when properly maintained, but with significant criticism for specific recurring mechanical failures and poor fuel economy. Owners who purchased the vehicle at a low price point and performed regular maintenance report high satisfaction, with several examples reaching over 200,000 miles with only normal upkeep. The vehicle is generally viewed as a durable, practical, and affordable used SUV, particularly for its all-wheel-drive capability which is noted to handle rough terrain competently.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim levels (e.g., LS, Limited) or model years are singled out as superior within the available discussions.
Known issues
- Shift interlock cable/mechanism failure: Prevents shifter from engaging Park and/or key from being removed from ignition. Known issue with Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Frequency: recurrent.
- Torque converter shudder: Severe vibration, described as feeling like a "rough rumble strip," occurring at steady cruising speeds (noted at 35-45 mph / 56-72 km/h). Frequency: recurrent.
- Random stalling and no-start electrical issues: Vehicle dies while idling or driving; subsequent attempts to start result in a single click and no crank, often with radio resetting.
Murano
Overall
Deeply polarized sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of first-generation (2003-2007) and second-generation (2009-2014) models report significant, often catastrophic, issues with the JATCO CVT transmission, leading to widespread distrust and financial hardship. These experiences dominate the narrative, creating a strong negative reputation for reliability.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim level emerges as a consensus "best" version.
Known issues
- CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure: Catastrophic, premature failure is the dominant issue. Described as a "time bomb," especially after 100,000 miles (161,000 km).
- CVT shudder and lag: Delayed engagement ("takes a second or two to go"), shuddering at low and high speeds, and general sluggishness. Often a precursor to total failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- General reliability concerns: Perceived as less reliable and more cheaply constructed than key Japanese competitors (Honda, Toyota). Described as a potential "money pit," particularly older high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Nissan Murano is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Mitsubishi Endeavor, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Mitsubishi Endeavor is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Mitsubishi Endeavor or the Nissan Murano?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Mitsubishi Endeavor and the Nissan Murano. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Mitsubishi Endeavor or the Nissan Murano?
The Mitsubishi Endeavor seats more passengers than the Nissan Murano on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Mitsubishi Endeavor is classed as a SUV, the Nissan Murano as a Cabriolet.
Which has better fuel economy, the Mitsubishi Endeavor or the Nissan Murano?
The EPA rates the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor at 17–18 mpg combined and the 2027 Nissan Murano at 23 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Mitsubishi Endeavor or the Nissan Murano?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.