2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The perennial question for crossover buyers is balancing fuel efficiency against outright power and space, and the 2025 Lexus NX versus the 2025 Nissan Murano perfectly illustrates this trade-off. If saving money at the pump is your main goal, the Lexus NX shines, delivering an impressive 28 MPG combined from its 203 hp engine, beating the Murano's 23 MPG combined. However, the Murano offers significantly more capability, boasting 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which will feel much punchier on highway merges. The Murano also offers substantially more utility with a huge 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. Priced almost identically, with the NX at $40,965 and the Murano at $40,470, the decision comes down to prioritizing the Lexus's efficiency and slightly smaller footprint versus the Nissan's superior power figures and passenger/cargo room.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.
2025 Nissan Murano
Families should lean toward the Nissan Murano because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 32.9 cu ft compared to the Lexus's 22.7 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Murano
Enthusiasts will prefer the Murano, which provides 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, vastly outstripping the NX's 203 hp.
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX offers better long-term running costs due to the 5 MPG advantage in fuel efficiency, which offsets its slightly higher MSRP of $40,965.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize fuel savings and want the best efficiency, achieving 33 MPG highway.
- You prefer a slightly smaller vehicle footprint, measuring 183.5 inches in length.
- You are happy with a 203 hp engine and prefer regular unleaded fuel economy over raw power.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from 32.9 cu ft of dedicated cargo space.
- You value quicker acceleration and more confident passing power from the 241 hp engine.
- You want the advantage of a 9-speed automatic transmission paired with 260 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 192.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P255/55R20 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 20 in. |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Nissan Murano.
How much better is the fuel economy in the Lexus NX compared to the Murano?
The Lexus NX holds a notable advantage in fuel efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Nissan Murano's 23 MPG combined. This translates to a 5 MPG difference, saving regular unleaded fuel over the long haul.
Which crossover offers more room for hauling cargo?
The 2025 Nissan Murano is the superior choice for cargo, boasting 32.9 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Lexus NX trails significantly with only 22.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
Is the power difference between these two crossovers significant?
Yes, the power gap is substantial; the Murano generates 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, whereas the NX produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, making the Murano noticeably peppier.
Do these vehicles use premium fuel?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Nissan Murano are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both models.
Which car is physically smaller if parking space is tight?
The Lexus NX is the more compact option, measuring 183.5 inches in length and 73.4 inches in width. The Nissan Murano is considerably larger, spanning 192.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide.
Are the base prices very different for these two crossovers?
No, the base prices are very close, with the 2025 Murano starting at $40,470 and the 2025 Lexus NX starting at $40,965, making power or efficiency the key deciding factors.
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