Nissan Murano vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights created a captivating light show upon unlocking, while the grille and lighting effects added to its unique presence. The interior was meticulously crafted, featuring leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that blended seamlessly into the cabin. However, the floating centre console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Murano presented a fresh front-end design with a wing motif lighting signature and a wider stance. The new model was nearly seven and a half centimetres wider and had an increased ground clearance, though this was not a primary concern for most buyers. The chrome arch and winged LEDs were notable styling elements, albeit not entirely original. The Murano's interior was modernized with a sleeker dash layout and a push-button gear selector, enhancing the centre console's functionality. The new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash added a visually appealing touch, though the material itself didn't feel particularly premium.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was built for comfort rather than sportiness, excelling on highways with its calm and poised ride. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for AWD, while the standard setup offered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft with RWD. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided a claimed range of 505 kilometres for RWD and 494 km for AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 420 km. Charging was efficient, with the battery reaching 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, resulting in understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offered improved acceleration compared to the previous V6 and CVT combination. AWD was standard in Canada, and the Murano's high beltline did not compromise visibility. Noise cancellation was effective, and the new Bose audio system enhanced the driving experience. The Murano's handling was aided by ProPILOT Assist, which combined Intelligent Cruise Control with Steering Assist for a more relaxed drive.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose charging port, and a problematic glovebox were notable issues. The floating console lacked practicality, and the centre cubby was small. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited at 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2025 Nissan Murano maintained its baseline comfort offerings with standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functionality, though heated seat settings were only accessible through the screen. The Zero Gravity seats provided comfort, though 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 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Super Cruise system provided a hands-free driving experience, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was equipped with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The monolith-style display housed two 12.3-inch screens, with infotainment and driver information displays. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The Murano Platinum included a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.

The 2025 Nissan Murano featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. ProPILOT Assist was standard, with the SL and Platinum trims offering an advanced version. The Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the new model added a passenger's side airbag and reinforced seating.