Compare the2026 Toyota Rav4VS 2026 Lexus NX

The Rav4 has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The NX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Rav4 and the NX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 for 1 year and 15000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the NX (2/25000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 5 times as many Toyota dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4’s warranty.

The Rav4’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 20 more horsepower (324 vs. 304) than the NX 450h+ Premium AWD’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the NX running its gasoline engine:

The Rav4 Plug-In Hybrid SE/XSE can travel with zero emissions on electricity, only, on a full charge for 52 miles. The NX 450h has to start its internal combustion engine after only 37 miles.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Rav4 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The NX 350 AWD requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Rav4 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the NX; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Rav4’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the NX’s (36.9 feet vs. 38 feet). The Rav4 GR Sport’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the NX’s (37.3 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 Woodland has a greater minimum ground clearance than the NX (8.5 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the Rav4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Toyota Rav4 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the Lexus NX.

The Rav4 has .7 inches more front shoulder room, 1 inch more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the NX.

The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the NX with its rear seat up (37.8 vs. 22.7 cubic feet). The Rav4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the NX with its rear seat folded (70.4 vs. 46.9 cubic feet).

The Rav4’s cargo area is larger than the NX’s in almost every dimension:

The Rav4’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the NX’s (1750 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Lexus NX is only 2000 pounds. The Rav4 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The power windows standard on both the Rav4 and the NX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Rav4 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The NX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the NX can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Toyota Rav4 stands out above the Lexus NX by offering not one, but two Qi-compatible phone chargers. This convenience helps travelers with multiple devices to keep powered up on-the-go. Wireless charging eliminates lost or cluttered charging cables and one of them provide more flexibility.

The Rav4 Woodland has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The NX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Lexus NX by over six to one during 2024.