2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus NX charms with its efficiency and premium compact polish, offering an impressive 28 combined MPG from its 203 hp engine. Contrastingly, the freshly reimagined 2026 Nissan Murano unleashes a surge of power with 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited drive, albeit at a cost to mileage. The Murano’s larger footprint grants it significantly more utility, boasting 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus's 22.7 cu ft. While the NX starts slightly lower at $40,965 versus the Murano's $41,670, the performance gap is undeniable; the Murano serves up an extra 38 hp and substantially more low-end pull. For buyers prioritizing efficiency and manageable city dimensions (183.5 inches long), the NX shines, whereas those seeking substantial power and space will gravitate toward the muscular Murano.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Murano's 23 MPG.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano offers significantly more utility with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
Enthusiasts will prefer the Murano's output of 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, drastically overshadowing the NX's 203 hp.
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX offers better long-term running costs due to the 5 MPG advantage in combined efficiency.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize daily fuel savings and seek 28 combined MPG from your crossover.
- You prefer a more maneuverable footprint, with a vehicle length of only 183.5 inches.
- You want the slightly lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $40,965.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You demand greater acceleration provided by the 241 hp engine.
- You require maximum utility, evidenced by 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
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 | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
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. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Nissan Murano?
The difference is substantial; the Murano delivers 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving it 38 more horsepower than the Lexus NX’s 203 hp output. This power advantage suggests the Murano will feel notably quicker during highway passing maneuvers.
Which crossover is better for maximizing cargo hauling capabilities?
The 2026 Nissan Murano is the clear winner for cargo, offering 32.9 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Lexus NX is restricted to only 22.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats.
Is the lower MSRP of the Lexus NX ($40,965) offset by the Murano’s AWD and power?
The Murano starts at $41,670, a difference of only $705, making its standard AWD and higher power output a strong argument for its value proposition despite the initial cost difference.
How much fuel efficiency will I lose moving from the Lexus NX to the Nissan Murano?
You will lose approximately 5 MPG in combined driving; the NX achieves 28 MPG combined, while the Murano is rated at 23 MPG combined.
Are both vehicles running on the same fuel type and transmission?
Yes, both vehicles specify regular unleaded fuel compatibility, but the Murano uses a 9-speed automatic transmission while the Lexus NX utilizes an 8-speed unit.
How do the overall dimensions compare for parking in tight spaces?
The Lexus NX is significantly more compact, measuring 183.5 inches in length, making it easier to navigate than the longer, wider Nissan Murano.
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