2025 Lexus UX vs 2026 Nissan Murano
Comparison Overview
Deciding between supreme efficiency and sheer size often plagues crossover shoppers. The 2025 Lexus UX offers stellar economy, boasting a combined 43 MPG, while the larger 2026 Nissan Murano trades fuel stops for space and power. The price gap is significant; the Murano starts $4,930 higher at $41,670 compared to the UX's $36,740 MSRP. For city driving, the UX’s 45 MPG city rating crushes the Murano's 21 MPG city figure, which is a massive 20 MPG difference overall. However, the Murano steps up substantially in utility, offering nearly double the cargo space at 32.9 cubic feet versus the Lexus's tight 17.1 cu ft. While the Lexus provides a nimbler footprint (177.0 inches long), the Murano offers 241 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) compared to the UX's 196 hp and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, making the trade-off between economy and capability very clear.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX is the clear winner for commuters due to its exceptional 43 combined MPG fuel economy.
2026 Nissan Murano
The 2026 Nissan Murano is better suited for families, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 32.9 cu ft versus the UX's 17.1 cu ft.
2026 Nissan Murano
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Nissan Murano for its greater output of 241 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX provides superior long-term running costs due to its substantially lower fuel consumption for a $4,930 lower initial price.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing trips to the gas station, thanks to its class-leading 43 combined MPG.
- You need a more compact vehicle (177.0 inches long) that is easier to maneuver and park in tight city environments.
- You want to save nearly $5,000 upfront, as the MSRP is $36,740 compared to the Murano's higher price.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- You frequently travel with family or need ample storage, as it provides 32.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire more dynamic performance from 241 hp and the traction benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the shifting feel of a 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Nissan Murano |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 192.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 78.0" |
| Height | 60.6" | 67.9" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed 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) | 45/41 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 392.7/504.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 18.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 58.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 56.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2026 Nissan Murano.
How big is the fuel economy gap between these two crossovers?
The difference is stark; the 2025 Lexus UX achieves 43 MPG combined, whereas the 2026 Nissan Murano is rated at only 23 MPG combined. This 20 MPG disparity means the UX will cost significantly less to run daily.
Is the 2026 Nissan Murano worth the extra cost over the Lexus UX?
That depends on your priorities; the Murano costs $4,930 more but delivers 45 more horsepower and nearly doubles the cargo capacity from 17.1 cu ft to 32.9 cu ft. If space and power are essential, it might be worth the premium.
Which car is better equipped for snowy or slippery conditions?
The 2026 Nissan Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it an inherent advantage in poor weather over the Front-Wheel Drive setup of the 2025 Lexus UX.
How much more spacious is the Murano compared to the UX?
The Murano is substantially larger, with a length of 192.9 inches compared to the UX's 177.0 inches. This translates directly to its massive cargo advantage: 32.9 cu ft versus the UX's 17.1 cu ft.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, fortunately, both the 2025 Lexus UX and the 2026 Nissan Murano specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs manageable despite the size difference.
How does the horsepower difference affect driving dynamics?
The Murano offers 241 hp to the UX's 196 hp, giving the Murano significantly more passing power. Furthermore, the Murano has 260 lb-ft of torque, likely making it feel punchier when merging onto highways.
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