2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Nissan Murano

$49,725 · Crossover

$41,670 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Lexus RX bursts onto the scene exuding polished refinement, offering a premium experience driven by its potent 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Murano champions accessible capability, slightly broader at 78.0 inches wide, yet saving buyers $8,055 off the line with an MSRP of $41,670 compared to the Lexus's $49,725. While the Lexus boasts superior output and slightly better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined (vs. 23 MPG for the Murano), the Murano pulls ahead in practicality with a larger 32.9 cu ft cargo area compared to the RX’s 29.6 cu ft. The Murano's standard All-Wheel Drive adds versatility against the RX's FWD orientation. This comparison pits Lexus's refined power against Nissan's inherent value and spatial efficiency, setting up a fascinating crossover showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX's superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy and recommended premium fuel suggest a focus on smoother, more efficient daily transit despite the higher initial cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano provides greater utility for families with a noticeable edge in storage, offering 32.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the RX's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX provides a definite performance advantage with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Murano's 241 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano undercuts the Lexus by $8,055 and runs on regular unleaded fuel, making it the clear fiscal winner.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize a higher horsepower output, desiring the 275 hp provided by the Lexus powertrain.
You prefer the marginally better fuel efficiency rating of 29 MPG highway.
Your budget accommodates the $49,725 MSRP for a more premium driving feel.

Choose the Nissan Murano if...

Saving $8,055 upfront is a critical factor in your purchasing decision.
You need maximum cargo space, as the Murano offers 32.9 cu ft versus 29.6 cu ft.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability and the use of regular unleaded fuel.

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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 2026 Lexus RX and 2026 Nissan Murano.

What is the main advantage of the Lexus RX's powertrain over the Nissan Murano?

The Lexus RX delivers significantly more power, boasting 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Murano’s 241 hp and 260 lb-ft. This results in a more responsive and thrilling drive when accelerating onto highways.

How much more cargo room does the Nissan Murano offer?

The 2026 Nissan Murano provides 32.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is over 3 cubic feet more than the 29.6 cubic feet offered by the 2026 Lexus RX. This extra room is valuable for hauling larger items.

Is the higher price of the Lexus RX justified by its running costs?

The Lexus RX commands an MSRP of $49,725 versus the Murano's $41,670, a difference of $8,055. While the RX gets slightly better MPG (25 combined vs 23 combined), you must factor in its recommendation for premium fuel.

Which vehicle is physically wider and taller?

The Nissan Murano is both slightly wider, measuring 78.0 inches compared to the RX’s 75.6 inches, and marginally taller at 67.9 inches. The Lexus is shorter in both dimensions.

Do these models have different drive setups for foul weather?

Yes, the standard configuration is different; the 2026 Nissan Murano comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base 2026 Lexus RX model specified here is Front Wheel Drive.

How do the transmissions compare between the two crossovers?

The Lexus RX utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Nissan Murano is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic. The Murano features one extra gear ratio.