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Lexus RX vs Tesla Model Y

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

Lexus RX

2026 Lexus RX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 1Lexus RX wins 3 of 4 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $1,750 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RX has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 43).

The two cars

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).

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2022 RX and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 RX and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

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

Efficiency

36 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
37 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$2,300
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
5
192.5 in
Length
188.6 in
75.6 in
Width
78 in
67.3 in
Height
63.8 in
4,288 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
12
3
Recalls (2026)
8
26
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
12
Owner complaints (latest year)
423

Interest

22,684
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2022
Best used year
2024
2017
Year to avoid
2023

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus RX if…

  • You want more room (4 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (26 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)

Pros & cons of each

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.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

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