2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 3D speedometer and tachometer. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, limiting open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a cutting-edge design, had become more mainstream with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. Its interior was conservatively styled, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The Murano was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, manual front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Upgrading to the SV trim added power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, and remote start. The SL trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a Bose premium stereo system. The top-tier Platinum trim offered a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, premium leather with Prima-Tex protection, and ventilated front seats. The Murano's interior was designed for ease of use, with controls placed intuitively and ample headroom and legroom in both rows.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but less smooth than the eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in competitors. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some found this feature gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a slightly lower combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano's ride was comfort-focused, handling corners well and absorbing road bumps effectively, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips.

The Murano had a 1,500-pound towing capacity, one of the lowest in its class. Despite this, its refined driving characteristics and comfortable ride made it a popular choice among midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. However, its cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Nissan Murano provided 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 offered more cargo space, the Murano's design prioritized ease of use, with a traditional shifter and a center console filled with trays and cubbies. The Murano excelled in passenger comfort, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows, with the second-row seats featuring partial reclining functionality.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. This package also included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a user-friendly menu layout and hard buttons for easy navigation. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available tech upgrades included an 11-speaker Bose premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Nissan Murano included Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, featuring reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional standard safety 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.