Lexus NX vs Renault Duster

Price and cost per week

Standard features per $10,000: not ranked, too few features are known for both cars. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per kw: $401 per kW on RRP for the Lexus NX; $283 per kW on RRP for the Renault Duster. On the rated figures, the Renault Duster leads on price per litre of boot: $138 per litre of boot on RRP for the Lexus NX; $68 per litre of boot on RRP for the Renault Duster. These ratios are not part of the CarSorted Score.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Renault Duster at 3 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). 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 70% for the Renault Duster, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus NX, against 3 on the Renault Duster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 6 in the Renault Duster.

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.

Feature Showdown

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the Renault Duster gets a 10.1-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting: features our data doesn't list for the Renault Duster. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Renault Duster offers cloth.

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 Renault Duster responds with a Petrol making 113kW and 270Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 113kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.5s 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, 315mm longer than the Renault Duster at 4,345mm (2,657mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 472L in the Renault Duster, giving the Lexus NX a 48L advantage.

For towing, the Renault Duster 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 Renault Duster's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.9 m against 11.4 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 $1,575 a year (5 L/100km, at $2.10/L premium petrol) and fuel for the Renault Duster about $1,901 a year (6.5 L/100km, at $1.95/L petrol). That is $326 a year less for the Lexus NX.

The weekly and 5-year figures in the price section above add repayments, rego, servicing and tyres to this; use our Fuel Cost Calculator for your own driving.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km (Lexus NX) and 5 years / unlimited km (Renault Duster). Capped-price servicing: 4 years (Lexus NX), no data (Renault Duster).

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 113kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 472L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,575 a year against $1,901).

The Renault Duster: the lower starting price ($31,990 against $71,700).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 70

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Renault Duster's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Lexus NX ahead by 28 points), fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 14 points), reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 12 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $326 less (5 L/100km against 6.5 L/100km, at $2.10/L premium petrol and $1.95/L petrol). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 472L in the Renault Duster.

Common questions