Nissan Murano vs Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2025 Nissan Murano showcased a completely revamped front design, featuring a next-generation lighting signature with a wing motif of horizontal lines that seamlessly integrated into the grille. This new face bore little resemblance to its predecessor, appearing wider due to its horizontal design elements and increased dimensions. The Murano's side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch lining the windows, intersecting with black trim, and complemented by standard 20-inch wheels, with the Platinum trim boasting 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Murano's interior was modernized with a sleeker, horizontally oriented dash layout, fewer buttons, and a push-button gear selector. The new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash and door cards added a visually appealing ombre effect, enhancing the aesthetic despite the use of leatherette instead of genuine leather in the SL trim.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, available in two trims, the 1958 and Cruiser, offered a blend of retro and modern styling. The base 1958 model featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the Cruiser trim presented a more upscale appearance with larger screens and additional off-roading capabilities. The Cruiser trim, especially with the Premium Package, included real leather, a Heritage Blue and Grey paint option, and a roof rack. The Land Cruiser's traditional two-box SUV design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a utilitarian interior featuring traditional switchgear. The Java-coloured leather in the Cruiser trim added a touch of luxury, and the dual 12.3-inch digital screens enhanced the technological appeal. However, the limited colour options and high load floor height were noted drawbacks.

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 improved acceleration compared to the previous V6. The nine-speed automatic transmission was a significant upgrade from the old CVT, enhancing the Murano's responsiveness. Standard all-wheel drive provided stability, while higher trims offered features like Transparent Hood View for better visibility. Noise cancellation was effective, particularly in the Platinum AWD model, which also featured an enhanced Bose audio system.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and electronic locking differentials. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms, and it included features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. However, real-world fuel efficiency was lower than expected, with observed consumption at 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capabilities, but its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its suspension tuning.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer impressive comfort features, including standard heated and power-adjustable front seats, with the Platinum trim adding massage functionality. The Zero Gravity seats provided comfort in both rows, although the second row was firmer. Interior dimensions improved in the front, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 931 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with foot activation in the Platinum trim.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to SofTex artificial leather, with ventilated and heated front seats. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The rear window design was less practical, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space. Cargo space was generous, with 1,062 litres behind the rear seats and 2,324 litres with seats folded, though the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was well-equipped with tech features, including wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The dual 12.3-inch screens housed infotainment and driver information displays. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a Bose audio system, and ambient lighting. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, enhancing the tech offerings.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim upgraded to dual 12.3-inch displays with Toyota Audio Multimedia, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected service plans. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect system provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, performing well in voice recognition tests.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking. ProPILOT Assist was added, with advanced features in higher trims. The Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with improvements in safety offerings, including a passenger's side airbag and a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist provided semi-autonomous driving, though performance varied. Additional safety features included a road sign reader and blind-spot monitoring. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strengths in side-impact testing but a lower rollover resistance rating.