2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The $9,255 MSRP gap between the 2025 Nissan Murano ($40,470) and the 2026 Lexus RX ($49,725) is the most significant initial differentiator. The Lexus counters its higher price with superior performance metrics, boasting 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency slightly favors the Lexus, achieving a 25 MPG combined rating versus the Murano's 23 MPG combined, despite the Lexus recommending premium unleaded fuel. Conversely, the Murano offers slightly more utility, providing 32.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the RX's 29.6 cu ft. While both are front-wheel-drive crossovers utilizing shiftable automatics, the Murano utilizes a 9-speed unit while the RX uses an 8-speed. These specification variances define the appropriate buyer profile for each model.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 25 MPG, slightly beating the Murano's 23 MPG.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano is preferred for families needing more storage, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the RX's 29.6 cu ft.
2026 Lexus RX
The 2026 Lexus RX appeals more to driving enthusiasts, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano's 241 hp.
2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano represents superior value, starting $9,255 less than the Lexus RX while still providing a capable powertrain.
Choose the Nissan Murano if...
- Your budget priority mandates an MSRP under $41,000, as the Murano starts at $40,470.
- Maximum accessible cargo volume is necessary, given its 32.9 cu ft capacity.
- You prefer to use regular unleaded gasoline rather than premium fuel.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Higher output figures are prioritized, demonstrated by the RX's 34 hp advantage (275 hp vs 241 hp).
- Achieving a 25 MPG combined rating is critical, even if it requires premium fuel.
- You desire the slightly more modern 8-speed automatic transmission over the Murano's 9-speed.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Murano | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 192.5" |
| Width | 78.0" | 75.6" |
| Height | 67.9" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5600 rpm | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 392.7/504.9 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.7 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 12 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 56.7 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 | 6-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.7 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.9 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | ✓ |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano and 2026 Lexus RX.
What is the exact price difference between the 2025 Murano and the 2026 RX?
The 2025 Nissan Murano has a listed MSRP of $40,470. The 2026 Lexus RX is priced significantly higher at $49,725, resulting in a $9,255 price disparity between the two models.
Does the higher price of the Lexus RX translate to better fuel economy?
Yes, the 2026 Lexus RX achieves a combined 25 MPG rating, offering 2 MPG better efficiency than the 2025 Nissan Murano's 23 MPG combined rating. However, this efficiency comes with the caveat that the Lexus recommends premium unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle provides more utility based on published cargo specifications?
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers superior cargo volume, measuring 32.9 cubic feet. The 2026 Lexus RX provides less space for hauling, rated at 29.6 cubic feet.
How much more horsepower does the Lexus RX produce compared to the Murano?
The 2026 Lexus RX outputs 275 horsepower, which is 34 more horsepower than the 2025 Nissan Murano's 241 hp output. The Lexus also leads in torque with 317 lb-ft versus the Murano's 260 lb-ft.
Are the vehicle dimensions substantially different between the two crossovers?
The overall lengths are nearly identical, with the Murano at 192.9 inches and the RX at 192.5 inches. The primary dimensional difference is width, where the Murano is 2.4 inches wider (78.0 inches vs 75.6 inches for the RX).
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