GX I (J120) vs Murano I (Z50): which is better?
Lexus GX I (J120) (2002–2009) vs Nissan Murano I (Z50) (2002–2007): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus GX I (J120)
Nissan Murano I (Z50)Specifications
| Lexus GX I (J120) | Nissan Murano I (Z50) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2002–2009 | 2002–2007 |
| Body | SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 4.7 V8 (GX470) | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 238 hp | 234 hp |
| Torque, up to | 438 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 780 mm | 4 770 mm |
| Width | 1 880 mm | 1 880 mm |
| Height | 1 845 mm | 1 705 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 790 mm | 2 825 mm |
| Fuel tank | 87 L | 82 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 510 925 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Lexus GX I (J120)
Pros
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: very reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 87 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2UZ-FE engine (4.7 V8): timing belt and water pump wear
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: jolts when the valve body wears
Engine (Toyota 2UZ-FE (4.7 V8)): timing belt and water pump wear; seal leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60): very reliable; shocks when the valve body wears.
Nissan Murano I (Z50)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Nissan VQ (V6): oil consumption on some engines
- Gearbox Jatco CVT: belt and bearing wear
Engine (Nissan VQ (V6)): oil consumption on some engines; catalytic converter breakdown and cylinder scoring; valve cover leaks.
Gearbox (Jatco CVT): belt and bearing wear; sensitive to overheating.
Which one to choose
- GX I (J120) — if you care more about: power, torque, fuel tank.
- Murano I (Z50) — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: GX I (J120) or Murano I (Z50)?
GX I (J120): up to 238 hp, Murano I (Z50): up to 234 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: GX I (J120) — about 510 925 ₸, Murano I (Z50) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.