2025 Nissan Murano vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Nissan Murano presented a fresh and modern exterior design, with a completely revamped front end that featured a next-gen lighting signature with a wing motif. This new look was a departure from its predecessor, giving the Murano a wider appearance, not just due to its horizontal design elements but also because it was nearly seven and a half centimetres wider and had an additional 3.5 centimetres of ground clearance. The chrome arch along the windows and the winged LEDs were standout styling elements, although not entirely original, as they were reminiscent of the Hyundai Tucson. However, the Murano's design was more cohesive and sophisticated. The interior saw a more modern update with a sleeker dash layout and a new push-button gear selector, enhancing the centre console's functionality. The "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash added a unique aesthetic, although the SL trim's downgrade to leatherette seating was a notable change.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages, with the TX 350 featuring a Luxury package and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The exterior retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered three colour options and ambient lighting, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though not necessarily an improvement. The TX's design was functional, with roof rails available for additional storage, and the overall look was consistent with Lexus's design language.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, known as VC-Turbo, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a torquier experience compared to the previous V6. The nine-speed automatic was a significant improvement over the old CVT, providing better acceleration and responsiveness. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, and the Transparent Hood View feature enhanced visibility at slow speeds. Noise cancellation was effective, especially in the Platinum AWD test vehicle, with active noise cancellation standard across the range.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The 500h model featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Nissan Murano maintained its baseline comfort offerings with standard heated and power-adjustable front seats, while the Platinum trim added massage functionality. The Zero Gravity seats in both the first and second rows were comfortable, though the second row was firmer. Interior dimensions improved in the front, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost 6 cm of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 931 litres of storage space behind the rear seats and a power liftgate standard.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX excelled in cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place and up to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was well-equipped with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The monolith-style display housed two 12.3-inch screens, and the SL trim added Google Built-In and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, enhancing the tech offerings.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. The TX offered a range of subscription services, including a voice assistant and remote start. The back-up camera and Advanced Park system were highlights, and the vehicle included seven USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. ProPILOT Assist was added, with higher trims featuring ProPILOT Assist 1.1 for more advanced capabilities. The Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and safety features were enhanced with additional airbags and reinforced seating.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and mixed scores from the IIHS.