2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$44,175 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the fuel-sipping efficiency of the 2026 Lexus NX and the roomier, slightly more powerful feel of the 2026 Nissan Murano? That's a tough call for many crossover shoppers. The Lexus NX clearly shines in efficiency, boasting an impressive 40 MPG combined rating compared to the Murano's 23 MPG combined, which translates to significant long-term savings, even though the NX requires premium fuel. Performance is close, with the Murano offering 241 horsepower versus the NX's 240 hp, though the Murano also provides higher torque (260 lb-ft). The Murano offers substantial practical advantages with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity—nearly 10 cubic feet more than the NX's 22.7 cu ft. While the Lexus starts higher at $44,175, the Murano undercuts it at $41,670, making the initial purchase cheaper despite the higher running costs associated with its lower fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for daily commuting due to its outstanding 40 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The 2026 Nissan Murano is the better choice for families because it provides significantly more hauling space with 32.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Murano

Enthusiasts might favor the Murano for its marginally higher 241 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque, and standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus NX

Despite a higher MSRP, the NX offers superior long-term value primarily through its massive 17 MPG difference in fuel efficiency.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prioritize efficiency, as the Lexus NX achieves 40 MPG combined while the Murano only manages 23 MPG combined.
You prefer the slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking, measuring 183.5 inches in length versus the Murano's 192.9 inches.
You prefer the smoothness of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for city driving, paired with FWD.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

You need maximum utility, as the Murano offers a cavernous 32.9 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the NX's 22.7 cu ft.
You value having standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather conditions, which the Murano includes.
You want to save money on fuel purchases by using regular unleaded gasoline instead of the NX's recommended premium unleaded.

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	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	240 hp @ 6000 rpm	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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/38 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	40 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	609.0/551.0 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.
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 2026 Lexus NX and 2026 Nissan Murano.

What is the real-world fuel cost difference between the two crossovers?

The difference is stark; the Lexus NX gets 40 MPG combined, whereas the Nissan Murano only achieves 23 MPG combined. This means you will be filling up the Murano roughly 74% more often than the NX for the same distance traveled, though the Murano uses cheaper regular unleaded.

Does the extra size of the Murano translate to better passenger or cargo room?

Yes, the Murano is significantly larger overall, evidenced by its 32.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft. While specific interior dimensions aren't given, the 9.4-inch difference in length suggests better rear space in the Murano.

Which car is more powerful, the Lexus NX or the Nissan Murano?

They are nearly tied on horsepower, with the Murano holding a slight edge at 241 hp compared to the NX's 240 hp. More importantly, the Murano produces 260 lb-ft of torque, suggesting stronger immediate acceleration off the line.

Is the higher starting price of the Lexus NX justified by its features?

The NX starts at $44,175 compared to the Murano's $41,670 MSRP. While the price is higher, the NX justifies some of this cost with its class-leading 40 MPG fuel economy rating.

Why does the Lexus NX recommend premium fuel?

The 2026 Lexus NX likely utilizes a higher compression ratio or tuning optimized for performance that necessitates premium unleaded fuel to maintain its efficiency and horsepower ratings.

How do the transmissions compare between these two vehicles?

The Lexus NX uses a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT) for smooth, efficient power delivery, whereas the Murano uses a more traditional 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, potentially offering a more engaging driving experience.