2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Nissan Murano

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades both inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. The leather-wrapped surfaces felt premium, and the center stack, though functional, appeared dated.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a cutting-edge design, had become more mainstream with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. The interior and dash design remained conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The Murano's trims included S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features. The base S came with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV added power-adjustable front seats and adaptive cruise control, while the SL included 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a Bose premium stereo system. The top-tier Platinum trim featured a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and premium leather with Prima-Tex protection.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX achieved 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds and offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with hybrid models adding EV mode. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD reached 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Murano offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, but the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano excelled in comfort, handling corners well and absorbing road bumps, making it ideal for commutes and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, lower than many midsize and compact SUVs.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 32.1 cubic feet with the seats in use. While other two-row SUVs provided more cargo space, the Murano excelled in ease-of-use with a traditional shifter design and a center console with trays and cubbies. The Murano's focus on two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with the second-row seats offering partial reclining functionality.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a sensible menu layout and hard buttons for easy navigation. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made smartphone integration seamless. Available tech features included an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with new standard features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Existing features included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Optional features included a surround-view parking monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and front-and-rear parking sensors.