2020 Nissan Murano vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, both inside and out, allowing it to stand out in a crowded marketplace. The exterior of the RX showcased slimmer headlights, standard 18-inch wheels, new L-shaped taillights, and an updated grille that resembled its sedan counterparts more closely. New color options, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, added to its visual appeal. Enhanced design elements like dual exhaust, rear diffuser, updated reflectors, and an optional hands-free tailgate contributed to a refined yet sporty appearance.

Inside, the Lexus RX was all about luxury and comfort with a variety of color and material options available, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trims. The F Sport appearance package introduced a distinct steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, unique bumpers, grille, badges, front seats, aluminum ornamentation, and larger 20-inch wheels. Additional amenities like power-folding mirrors with memory functionality, LED ambient lighting, stainless steel rear door garnishes, steering and seat memory, and scuff plates enhanced the SUV's appeal. Leather-wrapped surfaces and simplistic yet durable interior design ensured that the RX was both luxurious and practical for everyday family use.

On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Murano carried over the styling elements of previous Nissan models. Although refreshed for the 2019 model year with a new grille, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, fog lights, new wheel designs, and paint options, its appearance remained attractive but slightly outdated. This was becoming more noticeable with the launch of newer Pathfinder and Armada models.

The Murano was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with mid-range and higher trims receiving heated outside mirrors, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and a new leather-wrapped steering wheel for the Platinum trim. The Murano rode on standard 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, with higher trims gaining 20-inch wheels in varying finishes and all-season tires.

The Murano featured premium appointments in its top-tier Platinum grade, though the interior retained some dated elements, especially the center stack, console, and steering wheel design. Nevertheless, it had a blend of luxe materials and practical switches and knobs that were intuitive and easy to reach.

The performance of the 2020 Lexus RX centered around its potent 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel for RX 350 models. The three-row RX 350L, utilizing the same engine, produced 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was known for its smooth operation.

A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the same V6 engine with an electric motor to generate 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, recommended to use high-octane gasoline. The elongated RX 450hL, with the same engine setup, produced 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and an additional 165 horsepower from an electric motor, resulting in a combined output facilitated by an electronically-controlled CVT.

RX hybrid models, available exclusively with all-wheel drive, featured additional electric motors to drive the rear wheels and offered various drive modes like EV mode for short emissions-free distances. The RX wasn't particularly athletic, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.9 seconds, but offered adequate power for most driving scenarios. The standard RX 350 managed an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, with the hybrid models leading in fuel efficiency with up to 30 mpg combined for the RX 450h AWD.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Murano relied on a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. While it didn't offer immediate acceleration, it performed well on highways, overtaking vehicles with ease. The engine was paired with a CVT known for its relatively quiet operation, enhancing the cabin's tranquility.

The Murano achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, which was commendable within its class. It featured front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. While AWD provided better road adherence, it struggled with substantial body lean during maneuvers. The four-wheel independent suspension helped mitigate harsh terrain impacts, ensuring a smooth ride. Compared to premium German SUVs, the Murano delivered a cruiser-style drive, with straightforward handling and comfortable, rather than agile, performance.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was comfortable but less stylish compared to its German competitors. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was suitable only for small children or pets. The spacious two-row configuration offered ample headroom and a comfortable seating position, although the A-pillar obstructed the driver’s view of curbs and corners.

Cargo space in the RX models was smaller compared to rivals, due to a high load floor. The RX 350 and 450h had a hands-free liftgate option, and this feature was standard on RX-L models. The RX 350L and 450hL also had limited cargo capacity compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

Conversely, the 2020 Nissan Murano excelled in comfort with its renowned Zero Gravity seats. These seats, standard in the front row and for rear outboard passengers, were praised for long-distance comfort. The Murano offered more headroom than the Lexus RX but had less front legroom. It boasted over an inch more shoulder room in the second row than the RX, providing superior passenger comfort.

The Murano, designed with Empty Nesters in mind, focused more on passenger comfort than cargo capacity. It offered up to 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row upright and up to 67.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. Despite having less space than some competitors, its low cargo floor and easy-to-fold rear seats made it practical for everyday use. The power liftgate, standard on the top two trims, added convenience.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, despite its user challenges, saw improvements in the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch and available 12.3-inch touch screens were repositioned closer to the driver. The RX featured Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more, which helped bypass some of the system's limitations. The added USB ports, making a total of six, enhanced connectivity. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system for audiophiles.

The 2020 Nissan Murano lagged behind in advanced tech but still managed to remain competitive. It came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker audio system, and voice recognition. Upgrading to an 11-speaker Bose system, HD Radio, and navigation improved the experience. NissanConnect Services, included with Murano Platinum, offered remote functionalities and emergency notifications, similar to GM’s OnStar.

The 2020 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. New for the year were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also offered a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX earned favorable safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, with standard safety equipment providing comprehensive protection.

Nissan equipped the 2020 Murano with Safety Shield 360 on SV, SL, and Platinum trims, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. While it missed some advanced safety technologies available on competitors, it earned good ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating.