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Lexus NX vs Lexus RX

2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Lexus RX — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus NX

2026 Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS6 – 0Lexus NX wins 6 of 6 categories
Lexus RX

2026 Lexus RX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Lexus NX is more fuel-efficient: 40 vs 36 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $250 a year less in fuel for the Lexus NX (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 9 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus NX has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 26).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus NX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,880 lb (350 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Lexus RX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 lb (350 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2021 NX and the 2022 RX have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 NX and the 2017 RX.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

40 MPG
Best combined MPG
36 MPG
42 city
City / highway MPG (best)
37 city
$2,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,300

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
275 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
183.5 in
Length
192.5 in
73.6 in
Width
75.6 in
65.7 in
Height
67.3 in
3,880 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,288 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
3
18
Recalls, all years since 2005
26
6
Owner complaints (latest year)
12

Interest

10,857
Wikipedia views, 30 days
22,684

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2022
2024
Year to avoid
2017

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus NX if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (40 vs 36 MPG)
  • You want something easier to park (9 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (18 vs 26 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Lexus RX if…

  • You want more room (9 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus NX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Lexus RX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • Modest powerUp to 275 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2026 models.

Full 2026 Lexus NX specs →Full 2026 Lexus RX specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →