Lexus NX vs Polestar 4

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Polestar 4 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 92% for the Polestar 4, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 4, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 7 in the Polestar 4.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with head-up display and Mark Levinson audio — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 counters with panoramic roof, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Lexus NX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 4 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 180mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 6L advantage.

For towing, the Polestar 4 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Lexus NX's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.6 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and electricity for the Polestar 4 about $806 a year (16.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Polestar 4). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), no data (Polestar 4).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $78,500).

The Polestar 4: more power (200kW against 179kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (526L against 520L).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 75

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Polestar 4's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 10 points), performance (Polestar 4 ahead by 9 points).

Common questions