2026 Lexus NX Vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4: Which SUV Fits You Best?
2026 Lexus NX vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4 at a Glance
- The Lexus NX provides the more powerful engines, from its turbo inline-four to its PHEV grade.
- NX seating material upgrades to leather, while the RAV4 never gets more high-end than synthetic leather.
- Regarding safety features, the NX offers luxuries like an accessible 10-inch Head-Up Display and standard auto-dimming driver's side mirrors. The RAV4 requires purchasing costlier trims to reach the same compatibility.
- Explore incredible technology in the NX, like a 10-speaker sound system and a 14-inch central display, which don't exist for the non-hybrid RAV4.
How can a Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4 guide help you choose the model that'll serve you best on the busy roads around and in Englewood, NJ? It's quite simple: by showing you where the true value lies. Where the Toyota RAV4 excels in value and MPG, the Lexus NX more than compensates with responsive engines, standard features, and available luxuries, ready to transform what you think of when you hear "compact SUV."
We at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood are proud to compare these Toyota vs. Lexus SUV options and show you how the Lexus NX reigns supreme for your commuting needs as you drive to the mainland or head into Trenton.
Toyota RAV4 vs. Lexus NX Specs
The Lexus NX specs come from three engine and powertrain combinations, including one all-gas, one hybrid, and a single plug-in hybrid. The Toyota RAV4 lineup has dropped its all-gas option, leaving you with only a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Let's start with the standard engine. Where the Toyota RAV4 LE FWD provides 226 horsepower, the Lexus NX 350 starts with a whopping 275 horsepower. The RAV4 can only reach 236 horsepower with AWD, a figure the NX can outpace with its 240-horsepower hybrid configuration. The only advantage the RAV4 has is its plug-in hybrid option, which delivers a solid 324 horsepower. But it only has 172 pound-feet of torque, putting it far behind the all-gas Lexus NX, which achieves 317 pound-feet of torque.
| NX | RAV4 | |
| Engine Options: |
|
|
| Maximum Non-PHEV Horsepower: | 275 | 236 |
| Maximum Non-PHEV Torque: | 317 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Transmission: |
|
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| Best Hybrid EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb): | 42 / 38 / 40 MPG | 48 / 42 / 44 MPG |
| Towing Capacity: | 2,000 lbs | 1,750 - 3,500 lbs |
This Lexus vs. Toyota SUV fuel economy race ends up in favor of the Toyota RAV4 – though, notably, the battle ends up as a tie when you compare the Woodland trim level to the NX 350h AWD. Towing capacity is a mixed bag overall. The new Lexus NX can tow 2,000 pounds across all trim levels, as long as you're properly equipped to handle trailers. The Toyota RAV4 has a standard towing capacity of 1,750 pounds, but the Woodland and PHEV grades can tow up to 3,500 pounds. So, if you're willing to invest, the Toyota SUV can handle slightly more, but the Lexus NX is the more consistent choice for towing small trailers – perfect for kayaking trips to the Pine Barrens.
If you're looking for performance beyond the bounds of these gas and hybrid models, alongside some all-electric range, our lineup of 450h+ variants might be just what you're looking for.
Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4 Trims
We've discussed the performance specs you can anticipate from each lineup, so let's dive a bit deeper into their respective variants. The NX offers four grades of its 350 all-gas level. For hybrids, the RAV4 offers nine upgrade packages and four plug-in hybrid models. The Lexus NX has eight hybrid variants and three PHEVs. That's a total of 15 Lexus NX grades to 13 Toyota RAV4 levels.
Lexus NX Trims
- NX 350 AWD
- NX 350 Premium AWD
- NX 350 Luxury AWD
- NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD
Lexus NX Hybrid Trims
- NX 350h
- NX 350h AWD
- NX 350h Premium
- NX 350h Premium AWD
- NX 350h Luxury
- NX 350h Luxury AWD
- NX 350h F SPORT HANDLING
- NX 350h F SPORT HANDLING AWD
Lexus NX PHEV Trims
- NX 450h+ Premium AWD
- NX 450h+ Luxury AWD
- NX 450h+ F SPORT Handling AWD
Toyota RAV4 Trims
- LE
- LE AWD
- XLE Premium
- XLE Premium AWD
- Woodland
- SE
- SE AWD
- XSE
- Limited
Toyota RAV4 PHEV Trims
- SE
- Woodland
- GR SPORT
- XSE
Families who want their compact travel companion to be personalized to their standards will find that task much easier with a Lexus NX. The RAV4 has a good suite of options, but not as expansive as the list for the higher-end Lexus SUV.
Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4 Dimensions
Your choice of trim only has a marginal effect on Toyota RAV4 vs. Lexus NX dimensions, with height or headroom changing the most, depending on what type of sunroof is available. Check out the chart for detailed information.
| NX | RAV4 | |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Maximum Cargo Space | 46.9 cu ft | 70.4 cu ft |
| Headroom (front / rear) |
|
37.9 / 39.5 in (Moonroof) |
| Legroom (front / rear) | 41.0 / 36.1 in | 41.0 / 37.8 in |
| Length | 183.5 in | 181 - 182 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 73.0 - 74.0 in |
| Height | 65.75 - 66.1 in | 66.7 - 69.1 in |
Lexus NX vs. Toyota RAV4 Technology & Safety Features
No matter the model you climb into, the premium Lexus compact SUV is a substantial upgrade in comfort, convenience, and safety over the RAV4. Much like in our Lexus NX vs. Acura RDX comparison, you'll see just how far above its rival the Lexus NX goes in terms of tech.
Enter the cabin of the Lexus NX to immediately feel the impact that premium appointments and style make on your day-to-day life. Where the Toyota SUV starts with fabric seats and upgrades to SofTex-trimmed upholstery, the Lexus NX begins with NuLuxe synthetic leather and lets you sit in a perforated leather-trimmed interior by the NX 350 Luxury.
Relax in your ventilated front seats, standard on the NX 350 Premium, and use an available 14-inch Lexus Interface to adjust the features on your Head-Up Display. Similar RAV4 features require significant investment: Ventilated seating only becomes standard starting on the penultimate XSE trim, and the largest center display is 12.9 inches, which is an option only on the top two trims. Where the NX has a Head-Up Display as an available feature on its second trim level, you have to upgrade all the way to the RAV4 Limited trim to access this technology, and it's still an add-on.
The RAV4 is considered safe, but Lexus vs. Toyota reliability inevitably tips toward the more prestigious Lexus model. The standard array of safety afforded to the Lexus NX includes the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. You'll also benefit from Brake Assist, a Blind Spot Monitor, and Intuitive Parking Assist – all factors that make our Lexus NX lease specials so enticing.
Newly updated for 2026, the Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 now covers all the ground of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. However, to get a Panoramic View Monitor, you'll need to go to the XSE again – unlike the Lexus equivalent to RAV4 models, which gets it as an option as early as the second-level NX 350 Premium AWD. When you shop for a new Lexus vehicle for sale, you'll always be showered with state-of-the-art technology.
Which Should I Choose: Lexus SUV vs. Toyota SUV?
Choose the Lexus NX if:
- Your priority is comfort, convenience, and quality.
- You want a responsive engine that provides a smoother cruising experience over the George Washington Bridge.
- You're looking for a wider array of trim options that unlock more and more luxuries, like leather seating.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if:
- You're on a budget and need to prioritize value over luxurious amenities.
- You'd prefer the towing capacity of the Woodland over a more responsive engine.
- You don't mind losing out on features as you climb in trim levels compared to a model like the Lexus NX.
Explore the Lexus NX at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood
After reviewing this competitive review between Toyota vs. Lexus compact SUVs, have you decided on the best option for your family? The Lexus NX comes standard with a grand list of advanced technology and safety features, thrilling power, and luxurious amenities – designed to be an investment to elevate your lifestyle. If you want to see how it handles, test-drive one of the variants in stock at our Lexus dealership today! Be sure to check our new Lexus specials since you may find the trim level of your dreams at a limited-time price.
If this Toyota RAV4 vs. Lexus NX guide inspires you to try out the NX, our Lexus lease specials page is the place to keep your eye on. Browse these options and talk with our staff for more information about leasing a Lexus NX, like duration, mileage limits, and specific terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4?
The primary differences between the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4 are performance options and standard features. The Lexus NX offers three powertrain options, including one gas engine, one hybrid, and one PHEV, while the RAV4 has two options – one hybrid and one PHEV. The NX also comes standard with more luxurious features, like an optional wireless charging pad, a 10-speaker sound system, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.
Is the Lexus NX more powerful than the Toyota RAV4?
Through its standard and hybrid engines, the Lexus NX brings more horsepower and torque to the table than the Toyota RAV4. The gas-only NX trims reach 275 horsepower while the hybrid 350 achieves 240 horsepower. The RAV4 reaches its peak at 236 horsepower in its AWD hybrid configuration. When it comes to their PHEV counterparts, the RAV4 delivers slightly more horsepower than the Lexus SUV.
Which is more fuel-efficient: the Lexus NX or Toyota RAV4?
Generally, the NX is slightly less fuel-efficient than the Toyota RAV4. This is likely because the Lexus NX values responsiveness over slight differences in fuel economy: The hybrid NX, for example, produces 240 horsepower, while the RAV4 offers just 236 horsepower with AWD. If you want snappier performance, the base 350 engine (a 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4) creates 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
Does the Lexus NX offer better safety features than the Toyota RAV4?
The Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4 offer safety features that are on par with one another. However, as you climb in trim levels, the Lexus NX quickly surpasses its Toyota SUV competitor. For example, you can acquire a Head-Up Display as early as the second-level Lexus NX Premium 350 AWD, or you can wait for the highest-level RAV4 Limited.
Is the Lexus NX the same size as a RAV4?
Yes, the Lexus NX is approximately the same size as the RAV4. Its similar length (183.5 inches vs. 181 inches for the RAV4) makes it appear quite close to the Toyota SUV. However, the Lexus NX is somewhat narrower and lower, making it a more maneuverable companion than the RAV4. The RAV4 attempts to compensate with more legroom and cargo space, which could be useful for busier families.
Featured Customer Review
John Steiner
9/7/2025
I would like to commend Eric Lewis for the exceptional service my wife, Maria, and I received during the lease of a new NX 2025. Eric was kind, sincere, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, and it was a joy to work with him. DARCARS Lexus of Englewood should be proud to have Eric represent their Company