2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$49,125 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between luxury refinement and immediate savings often plagues buyers, and the 2025 Lexus RX ($49,125 MSRP) versus the 2026 Nissan Murano ($41,670 MSRP) perfectly illustrates this trade-off. The Lexus commands a $7,455 premium over the Murano but delivers notably better efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined. Furthermore, the RX offers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, giving it a significant power advantage over the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. While the RX boasts slightly better city driving economy at 22 MPG versus 21 MPG, the Murano pulls ahead slightly in overall utility, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Lexus's 29.6 cu ft. Buyers must weigh the proven luxury refinement of the Lexus against the Murano's excellent entry price and greater cargo volume for daily hauling needs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy, minimizing fuel stops and costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano provides better family utility with its larger 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RX's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX appeals more to driving enthusiasts thanks to its higher output of 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano clearly offers superior value, saving the buyer $7,455 upfront compared to the Lexus RX's starting price.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize higher performance, as the Lexus RX delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
You want better fuel efficiency for your daily drive, seeing the RX nets 25 MPG combined vs. 23 MPG for the Murano.
You prefer driving a vehicle that requires only recommended premium unleaded fuel for optimal operation.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Budget is a primary concern, given the Murano's $41,670 MSRP offers a $7,455 saving over the Lexus.
You need maximum utility, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the RX.
You prefer the added stability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard over the Lexus RX's FWD configuration.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Nissan Murano
Length	192.5"	192.9"
Width	75.6"	78.0"
Height	67.3"	67.9"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	241 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	392.7/504.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	18.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power 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	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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 Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.8 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	56.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Nissan
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

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 RX and 2026 Nissan Murano.

Which crossover is cheaper to fill up at the pump?

The 2026 Nissan Murano is significantly cheaper regarding fuel type, as it runs on regular unleaded gasoline. The 2025 Lexus RX specifically recommends premium unleaded fuel, which is typically more expensive per gallon.

How much more cargo space does the Murano offer over the RX?

The 2026 Nissan Murano has a clear advantage in utility, offering 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is 3.3 cubic feet more than the 2025 Lexus RX's 29.6 cu ft of space.

Is the power difference between these two crossovers noticeable in real-world driving?

Yes, the Lexus RX has a distinct power advantage, putting out 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This difference will be most apparent during highway passing maneuvers.

Does the standard drivetrain affect performance or efficiency?

The Lexus RX comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), contributing to its slightly better 29 MPG highway rating. Conversely, the Nissan Murano includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which aids traction but contributes to its slightly lower 27 MPG highway rating.

What is the initial cost difference between the two vehicles?

The base MSRP difference is substantial; the 2025 Lexus RX starts at $49,125, meaning you pay $7,455 more upfront than the 2026 Nissan Murano, which starts at $41,670.

How do the transmissions compare between the RX and Murano?

While both use automatic transmissions, the Murano utilizes a 9-speed unit designed to work with its lower power output, whereas the Lexus RX uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.