2025 Nissan Murano vs Lexus RX 350

2025 Nissan Murano vs Lexus RX 350: Which Crossover Suits Chicago-Area Drivers Best?

The 2025 Nissan Murano and the Lexus RX 350 are two crossovers turning heads across the greater Chicago area, from the city streets to the quiet neighborhoods of Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Woodstock. With bold styling, refined interiors, and tech-packed cabins, these two SUVs are built for modern drivers who want comfort without compromise. But which one truly delivers the best value, features, and performance for local commuters and families alike?

This Murano vs RX 350 comparison breaks down everything Chicago-area drivers care about most—price, comfort, technology, and safety. Whether you're shopping for your next family SUV or simply upgrading to a more luxurious daily drive, this crossover luxury faceoff will help you decide where each vehicle stands.

Ready to explore the 2025 Nissan Murano up close? Visit M’Lady Nissan today and see why so many McHenry County drivers are choosing smart luxury that fits their lifestyle and budget.

How Do the 2025 Murano and RX 350 Compare on Price and Value?

For many Chicago-area shoppers, price is one of the first things they check when picking a new SUV. And when comparing the 2025 Nissan Murano vs Lexus RX 350, the price gap is clear from the start. If you're shopping from Crystal Lake, McHenry, or Woodstock, that price jump matters.

Here’s how the two models line up on MSRP:

Model	Starting MSRP
2025 Nissan Murano	Around $40,470
2025 Lexus RX 350	Around $50,575

With a gap of over $10,000, the Murano clearly leads on affordability. That lower cost doesn’t mean fewer features, either.

What Comes Standard?

The 2025 Murano includes many comfort and tech features right out of the box. You don’t have to climb up the trim ladder to enjoy the drive.

Murano Standard Features:

• Nissan Safety Shield® 360
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Push-button start
• Power front seats

By comparison, the Lexus RX 350 also comes well-equipped. But to get the same mix of tech and safety found in the base Murano, buyers often have to pay more.

RX 350 Standard Features:

• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• NuLuxe® interior trim
• 9.8-inch touchscreen
• Heated front seats

While both SUVs are built for comfort, Murano offers strong value at a lower entry point. That matters for drivers looking for value-focused luxury around Chicago and its suburbs.

Which SUV Delivers More Comfort for Your Daily Drive in Crystal Lake or Woodstock?

When it comes to comfort, both the Murano and RX 350 aim high. But which one fits the daily life of drivers in Crystal Lake or Woodstock best? That’s what this Murano RX350 comparison sets out to find.

Each SUV brings its own feel to the ride. The Murano leans into soft-touch materials, plush seats, and a smooth ride. The RX 350 adds upscale trim and high-end touches—but at a higher price.

Let’s break it down.

Interior Features That Make a Difference

In this crossover luxury faceoff, comfort goes beyond looks. It’s about how each part of the cabin helps you feel at ease—whether you’re in traffic or on a weekend trip.

2025 Nissan Murano Comfort Highlights:

• Available massaging front seats
• Standard dual-zone climate control
• Large panoramic moonroof on higher trims
• Quiet cabin with acoustic glass
• Soft-touch materials across dash and doors

2025 Lexus RX 350 Comfort Highlights:

• NuLuxe® interior trim with black accents
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front seats (ventilation available on higher trims)
• 8-way power driver and passenger seat
• Leather-trimmed wheel and shift knob

Both models offer top-tier comfort, but Murano’s massaging seats and wide moonroof give it an edge for long drives through McHenry or Woodstock.

Rear Seat Space and Layout

Rear seat comfort matters, especially for families or carpools. The Murano provides more legroom and a flatter seat base, which helps passengers stretch out. Its wide rear doors make loading easy, even for tall adults.

Rear Seat Comfort Comparison:

Feature	2025 Murano	2025 RX 350
Rear Legroom	More generous	Slightly tighter
Seat Folding	60/40 split	40/20/40 split
Rear Seat Recline	Yes	Yes
Cabin Layout	Open and airy	Sleek and upscale

The Murano gives drivers a more relaxed layout with wide seats and space to move. It feels built for long days and city traffic.

Whether your drive takes you from Crystal Lake to Chicago or around Woodstock, comfort can make or break your day. In this Murano RX350 comparison, both bring strong features. But Murano stands out with extra legroom, soft seats, and a more relaxed cabin feel—all without pushing the price higher.

What Performance Can You Expect from the Murano and RX 350?

Performance plays a big part in any Nissan vs Lexus SUV debate. While both the 2025 Murano and RX 350 are built for comfort, each offers a very different driving feel. Drivers from McHenry to Chicago want power, control, and fuel savings. Here's how these two crossovers compare under the hood.

Engine Power and Torque

Let’s start with the numbers. Both SUVs come with strong engines, but how they deliver power is what matters.

Engine Specs:

Feature	2025 Murano	2025 RX 350
Horsepower	241 hp	275 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft	317 lb-ft (Premium Fuel)
Engine Type	Turbocharged 4-cylinder	Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission	Continuously Variable (CVT)	8-speed automatic

The Murano offers strong, even torque at low speeds. It’s smooth and quiet on the road. The RX 350 feels faster from a stop, but it needs premium gas to get peak torque.

Drive Modes and Handling

Both SUVs offer options that help you match your drive style. Whether you're coasting down a Chicago highway or turning onto a tight street in Crystal Lake, handling matters.

• Murano: Standard FWD or optional AWD; smooth, calm ride with easy steering
• RX 350: FWD or AWD; paddle shifters and more sporty drive modes
• Drive Modes (RX 350): Eco, Normal, Sport
• Drive Modes (Murano): Eco and Sport (via drive mode button)

The Murano leans into a smoother drive. The RX 350 adds sharper handling and more ways to tweak how it responds.

Fuel Efficiency for the Daily Commute

Fuel savings make a big difference—especially for drivers who head into Chicago from Woodstock or McHenry.

MPG Comparison:

Drive Type	Murano (Est.)	RX 350 (Est.)
FWD	23 city / 28 hwy	22 city / 29 hwy
AWD	22 city / 27 hwy	21 city / 28 hwy

The numbers are close, but the Murano keeps up well—especially given its lower price tag.

In short, this Nissan vs Lexus SUV matchup is closer than it looks. The RX 350 is a touch quicker and offers sportier drive tools. But the Murano is smoother, easier to drive, and built to handle real-world roads with less stress. That’s good news for local drivers who want comfort without compromise.

Which SUV Brings More Cutting-Edge Technology to the Road?

In today’s crossover luxury faceoff, high-tech features are just as important as performance or price. When you compare the Murano and RX 350, both offer smart tools for your drive. Still, their tech setups feel different—and that may matter to Chicago-area drivers.

Display and Interface

The Murano takes the lead in screen size and layout. You get more screen space and less clutter.

Screen Setup:

Feature	2025 Nissan Murano	2025 Lexus RX 350
Main Display	Dual 12.3-inch screens	Single 9.8-inch touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	12.3-inch digital cluster	Standard digital cluster
Layout Style	Wide, split-screen setup	Central touchscreen only

The large dual screens in the Murano make maps, music, and apps easier to see. Lexus gives you fewer pixels and a more compact display.

Smartphone and App Support

Both crossovers give you easy phone pairing, but the Murano adds more built-in tools.

• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay: Standard on both
• Google Built-in (Murano): Includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play
• Lexus Interface: Uses its own software with cloud navigation

If you're used to Google apps, the Murano feels more like your phone or tablet.

Wellness and Extra Touches

The Murano also adds tech with a personal touch. It includes a built-in Calm app partnership for in-car wellness. This feature can play short guided sessions or soft music to help reduce stress on the road.

Drivers in places like Crystal Lake or Woodstock often face long commutes. These details can help make every mile feel a bit better.

In the tech space, the Murano holds the edge with larger screens and deeper integration of familiar apps. Lexus offers a sleek system, but it may feel more closed off. For drivers who value ease, clarity, and a calm ride, the Murano delivers a thoughtful mix of tools.

Safety Showdown: How Do the Murano and RX 350 Protect You and Your Family?

When it comes to peace of mind on the road, both the 2025 Nissan Murano vs Lexus RX 350 offer strong safety tools. But for families in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and greater Chicago, the small details can make a big difference. This part of the Murano RX350 comparison highlights how each SUV works to keep you safe every day.

Standard Driver Assist Features

Both crossovers come packed with active safety tech. Here’s how the core tools stack up:

Safety Feature	2025 Nissan Murano	2025 Lexus RX 350
Auto Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Warning	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard (w/ ProPILOT Assist)	Standard (Lexus Safety System+)

Both models offer strong safety suites, but Murano includes ProPILOT Assist, which blends cruise control with lane-keeping for smoother highway drives.

Unique Safety Tech: What Sets Each SUV Apart?

ProPILOT Assist (Murano):

• Helps steer to keep you centered in your lane
• Maintains speed and space from the car ahead
• Works in stop-and-go traffic—great for Chicago roads

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (RX 350):

• Adds lane tracing assist
• Detects road signs and adjusts alerts
• Uses cloud data to predict road hazards

Which SUV Fits Family Life in McHenry or Chicago?

If your daily route includes school zones, busy streets, or tight parking, the following tools can help:

• Murano offers an Around View Monitor with split-screen views
• RX 350 includes front cross-traffic alerts and curve speed management
• Both SUVs give you rear auto braking and front pedestrian detection

In this 2025 Nissan Murano vs Lexus RX 350 match-up, both models shine. The RX 350 uses high-end alerts and sensors. The Murano focuses more on smooth help during real-world driving. If your top goal is easy, calm trips through McHenry or Chicago, the Murano's ProPILOT Assist may give you the edge.

Which SUV Offers the Best Style and Features for Drivers in McHenry and Chicago?

For many drivers, looks matter just as much as price or power. In this Murano RX350 comparison, style plays a key role. From bold lines to sharp trims, both crossovers aim to stand out. But each takes a very different path to get there.

Side-by-Side Design Highlights

Design Feature	2025 Nissan Murano	2025 Lexus RX 350
Wheel Design	Black 20" alloy wheels	Multi-spoke 19" or 21" wheels
Lighting	LED headlights and boomerang accents	Blade-style LED taillamps
Grille	Sleek V-Motion front grille	Bold signature spindle grille
Silhouette	Smooth and sculpted profile	Edgy and angular body lines
Roof Options	Available black roof on upper trims	Panoramic glass roof on select trims

The Murano leans toward clean lines and soft curves. It gives off a refined, upscale look that blends well in both the suburbs and the city. The RX 350 stands out with sharp edges and a wide stance that turns heads in downtown Chicago.

Trim Levels and Color Choices

Each SUV gives you options to match your style:

Murano Trims:

• SV: Sleek, simple, and smart
• SL: Adds chrome trim and black roof
• Platinum: Lux wheels and leather seating

RX 350 Trims:

• Base: Strong look with base LED lights
• Premium: Adds ambient light and large wheels
• F SPORT: Sport grille and bold accents

Color options vary, too. The Murano offers deep tints like Scarlet Ember and Super Black. The RX 350 goes for tones like Nightfall Mica and Nori Green Pearl.

Which Has More Curb Appeal?

• Murano blends into upscale McHenry drives with grace
• RX 350 draws attention on busy Chicago streets
• Both offer contrast roof and trim combos for more edge

In this part of the Murano RX350 comparison, both SUVs bring strong design to the table. But for drivers who prefer smooth over sharp, Murano may be the style leader.

How do power and torque compare between the 2025 Murano and Lexus RX 350?

The 2025 Murano offers 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 350 delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

Do both SUVs offer a similar level of interior luxury and technology?

No. The Murano features dual 12.3-inch screens, Google built-in, and massaging seats, while the RX 350 has a 9.8-inch touchscreen and NuLuxe trim with ambient lighting.

Are there differences in long-term reliability or cost of ownership?

Yes. The Murano generally has a lower cost of ownership and more accessible service options, while Lexus is known for long-term reliability but comes with higher maintenance costs.

Which one is better suited for families vs. those seeking a premium driving experience?

The Murano is better suited for families due to comfort-focused features and space. The RX 350 fits drivers who prioritize luxury styling and sporty performance.

Why the 2025 Nissan Murano Might Be the Better Fit for Chicago-Area Crossover Shoppers

If you're shopping for a smart, smooth SUV with strong value, comfort, and tech, the 2025 Murano checks every box. This midsize crossover blends upscale style with ease of use—perfect for both long drives and quick city trips.

Drivers in McHenry, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and Chicago will find the Murano to be a smart fit for both family needs and everyday use. Its bold style and quiet ride help you feel at home in city traffic or out on open roads. The cabin gives you comfort without the high cost. Plus, it’s built with features that make sense for the way you drive.

At M'Lady Nissan, we carry a wide selection of vehicles, including the new Murano. Whether you want better tech, space for your kids, or just more comfort, we’re here to help you find the right fit.

Want to learn how each trim stacks up? Check out our page on Murano trim levels.
Not sure how the Murano compares to other crossovers? See how it holds up in our Murano vs RDX comparison.
Or, if you're deciding between two great Nissan models, view our Murano vs Pathfinder breakdown.

Still have questions? Contact our team today. We’re happy to walk you through your options and get you behind the wheel for a test drive.