2021 Nissan Murano vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by this time. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet functional design, focusing on comfort and ease of use. The cabin's restrained styling ensured that controls were intuitively placed, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable SUV for daily commutes and long road trips. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding progressively more features, from basic amenities like dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen to luxurious touches like a panoramic moonroof and premium leather in the Platinum trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a bold statement in design, especially in its Black Onyx color. This edition removed most chrome elements, giving the SUV a sleek, monochromatic look. Despite its modern exterior, the GX's overall design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the GX boasted high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, with a focus on comfort and refinement. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Prices ranged from $56,700 to $66,210, with the Black Line starting at $60,535.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Murano excelled in low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. With a focus on comfort, the Murano provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize and even some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the GX's acceleration was leisurely, taking 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. The engine's torque contributed to a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential ensured stability and traction. The GX's design, with a high drag coefficient of 0.35, and its weight affected fuel efficiency, achieving 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride quality, making the GX more stable and capable off-road, though steering and braking could be cumbersome.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious in its class, the Murano compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims. The interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, including partial reclining functionality in the second row.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, thanks to its tall design. The interior featured comfortable seating with NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim in the Black Line Special Edition. However, accessing the rear seats was challenging due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. With the third row stowed, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading difficulty, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a straightforward menu layout and physical controls for ease of use. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration enhanced connectivity, while an available Bose premium stereo system and navigation added to the tech offerings.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant upgrade from previous models. Positioned for easy access, the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. Despite retaining the outdated Remote Touch Interface, the GX offered modern features like a WiFi hotspot and a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app. The stereo controls, however, were awkwardly placed, complicating their use. The dual-screen display and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights, making the system user-friendly.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard driver assistance technologies like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and driver drowsiness monitoring, with optional upgrades for adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age but included Lexus Safety System+ as standard. This suite offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, along with Safety Connect services. However, the GX missed some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.