Lexus NX vs Lexus RX
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov · Prices paid from CarWhere verified deals
The short answer
The NX is the smaller, cheaper Lexus: the 2026 NX starts at $44,175 versus $53,900 for the 2027 RX, is 9.0 in shorter (183.5 vs 192.5 in), and its 350h hybrid rates up to 40 mpg combined versus 36 for the RX 350h. The RX has more room behind the rear seat (29.6 vs 22.7 cu ft), tows 3,500 lb versus 2,000, and offers the 366-hp RX 500h. Both offer a 304-hp plug-in hybrid.
Key differences
- The Lexus NX starts $9,725 lower (base MSRP $44,175 vs $53,900, before destination).
- The RX is 9.0 in longer (183.5 vs 192.5 in).
- The RX tows up to 3,500 lb, 1,500 lb more.
- Best combined fuel-economy rating: 40 vs 36 mpg (Lexus NX leads).
- Longest rated range: 37 mi (Lexus NX) vs 38 mi (RX).
- Most powerful version: 304 hp (Lexus NX) vs 366 hp (RX).
NX vs RX specs side by side
| Lexus NX | Lexus RX | |
|---|---|---|
| Model year compared | 2026 | 2027 |
| Base MSRP range (excl. destination) | $44,175–$62,830 | $53,900–$71,960 |
| Destination charge | $1,395 | $1,550 |
| Powertrains (hp / torque) | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder: 275 hp / 317 lb-ft · 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (NX 350h): 240 hp · 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (NX 450h+): 304 hp | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder: 275 hp / 317 lb-ft · 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (RX 350h): 246 hp / 233 lb-ft · 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (RX 450h+): 304 hp · 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder hybrid (RX 500h): 366 hp / 406 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | NX 350 AWD (incl. F SPORT): 21/28/24 mpg · NX 350h FWD: 42/38/40 mpg · NX 350h AWD: 41/37/39 mpg · NX 450h+ AWD (Lexus-published; gas-only combined; 84 MPGe): 34 mpg combined | RX 350 FWD: 22/29/25 mpg · RX 350 AWD: 21/28/24 mpg · RX 350h AWD: 37/34/36 mpg · RX 450h+ AWD (gas-only combined; 85 MPGe): 35 mpg combined · RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD: 27/28/27 mpg |
| Range | NX 450h+ AWD (Lexus-published; gas-only combined; 84 MPGe): 37 mi | RX 450h+ AWD (gas-only combined; 85 MPGe): 38 mi |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind rear row | 22.7 cu ft | 29.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 46.9 cu ft | 46.2 cu ft |
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD | Available | Available |
| Length | 183.5 in | 192.5 in |
| Width | 73.4 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 66.1 in | 67.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 112.2 in |
- Lexus NX: 2026 is the current priced NX; the 2027 NX (hybrid and plug-in hybrid only, gas NX 350 dropped) was revealed Oct 20, 2026 but is not yet priced. Pricing from the 2026 NX release price table (updated May 1, 2026), which lists MSRP including the $1,395 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee; msrpLow/High have that fee subtracted. lexus.com currently shows higher DPH-inclusive prices ($46,570-$64,525) without a published fee breakdown. NX 350 is AWD only; NX 350h offered FWD or AWD; NX 450h+ AWD only. Hybrid/PHEV hp are net combined system output; no system torque published (engine torque 179 lb-ft 350h, 169 lb-ft 450h+). MPG for 350/350h from fueleconomy.gov; NX 450h+ is not listed there for 2026, so its row uses the Lexus-published 34 mpg combined (gas), 84 MPGe and 37-mile all-electric range. Cargo 22.7 cu ft behind 2nd row / 46.9 max. Towing 2,000 lb (additional equipment required). Height 66.1 in (65.75 F SPORT Handling). Ground clearance not published.
- RX: Pricing from the Sep 17, 2026 release, which lists MSRP including the $1,550 Delivery, Processing and Handling fee; msrpLow/High have that fee subtracted. AWD standard on 350h, 450h+ and 500h; RX 350 offered FWD or AWD. Hybrid/PHEV hp are net combined system output; Lexus lists no torque for the 450h+ (null). MPG are Lexus-published 2027 estimates on lexus.com (2027 not yet listed on fueleconomy.gov). 450h+: 85 MPGe and 38-mile all-electric range (EPA-estimated per Lexus); lexus.com shows no city/hwy split. Cargo 29.6 cu ft behind 2nd row / 46.2 max. Towing 3,500 lb with the Kick Sensor with Tow Package; not listed for the 450h+. Width is as published on lexus.com (footnoted mirror note). Ground clearance not published.
What buyers actually paid
Median discount off MSRP from CarWhere's verified, buyer-submitted deal sheets for new NX and RX purchases. Each model is matched exactly, so no other nameplate is mixed in. Use the median as a target discount when you negotiate.
Lexus NX
3.4% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 1.9% to 5.4% off · 0% paid over MSRP
11 verified deals · model years 2026
Lexus RX
2.8% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 0.2% to 4.8% off · 7.7% paid over MSRP
26 verified deals · model years 2025–2026
Snapshot 2026-11-05. Approved, de-duplicated deals only; shown when each side has at least 5 deals. % off MSRP is before rebates. Methodology
Reliability and known issues
Lexus NX
No CarWhere reliability page yet.
Lexus RX
More on each model
FAQ
Which is better, the Lexus NX or the RX?
The NX is the smaller, cheaper Lexus: the 2026 NX starts at $44,175 versus $53,900 for the 2027 RX, is 9.0 in shorter (183.5 vs 192.5 in), and its 350h hybrid rates up to 40 mpg combined versus 36 for the RX 350h. The RX has more room behind the rear seat (29.6 vs 22.7 cu ft), tows 3,500 lb versus 2,000, and offers the 366-hp RX 500h. Both offer a 304-hp plug-in hybrid.
Is the Lexus NX cheaper than the RX?
The Lexus NX has the lower starting price: the 2026 Lexus NX starts at $44,175 and tops out at $62,830, and the 2027 RX starts at $53,900 and tops out at $71,960. Those are base MSRPs before destination ($1,395 and $1,550), from the manufacturers.
Is the Lexus NX bigger than the RX?
The Lexus NX is 183.5 in long on a 105.9-in wheelbase; the RX is 192.5 in on a 112.2-in wheelbase. Maximum cargo space is 46.9 vs 46.2 cu ft. Seating: 5 vs 5.
Which tows more, the Lexus NX or the RX?
The RX: up to 3,500 lb vs 2,000 lb, properly equipped, per the manufacturers.
Which gets better gas mileage?
Combined ratings: 24–40 mpg for the Lexus NX and 24–36 mpg for the RX, depending on powertrain and drivetrain. Figures are EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov, or the manufacturer's estimate where the EPA has not yet listed the new model year (see notes under the table).
How much off MSRP are buyers getting on the Lexus NX and RX?
In CarWhere's verified deals, the median Lexus NX buyer paid 3.4% below MSRP (11 deals) and the median RX buyer paid 2.8% below MSRP (26 deals). Use those as a target discount when you negotiate; results vary by trim, region and month.
Related comparisons
Sources
- Lexus Newsroom — 2026 NX release (pricing updated May 1, 2026)
- Lexus.com — 2026 NX specifications
- Lexus.com — 2026 NX specifications (page data)
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 NX 350 AWD
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 NX 350 AWD F Sport
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 NX 350h
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 NX 350h AWD
- Lexus Newsroom — 2027 RX release (Sep 17, 2026)
- Lexus.com — 2027 RX specifications
- Lexus.com — 2027 RX specifications (page data)
"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.
Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Lexus NX vs Lexus RX," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/lexus-nx-vs-lexus-rx.