Lexus NX vs Renault Megane E-Tech

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Lexus NX and Renault Megane E-Tech hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 85% for the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Renault Megane E-Tech, 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 Renault Megane E-Tech.

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 Renault Megane E-Tech gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and Mark Levinson audio — features our data doesn't list for the Renault Megane E-Tech. The Renault Megane E-Tech counters with BOSE 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 Renault Megane E-Tech responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Renault Megane E-Tech is 0.3s 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, 460mm longer than the Renault Megane E-Tech at 4,200mm (2,685mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus NX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech, giving the Lexus NX a 80L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 600kg 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 Megane E-Tech's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.8 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 $1,425 a year (5 L/100km) and electricity for the Renault Megane E-Tech about $768 a year (16 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

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

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: more power (179kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 440L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,500kg against 900kg).

The Renault Megane E-Tech: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Lexus NX.

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 75

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Renault Megane E-Tech's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: reliability (Lexus NX ahead by 12 points), practicality (Lexus NX ahead by 11 points). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 440L in the Renault Megane E-Tech.

Common questions