Lexus NX vs Toyota Kluger

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022) and the Toyota Kluger at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). 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 90% for the Toyota Kluger, 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 5 on the Toyota Kluger.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.

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 Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

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

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Kluger offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus NX and 3-zone in the Toyota Kluger.

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 Toyota Kluger responds with a 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid making 184kW and 242Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The Toyota Kluger has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 0.2s 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, 306mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Kluger generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Lexus NX a 279L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1141L vs 1150L. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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); both turn in a 11.4 m circle, 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 fuel for the Toyota Kluger about $1,596 a year (5.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $171 a year less for the Lexus NX.

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

Where each one leads

The Lexus NX: the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 241L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $1,596).

The Toyota Kluger: the lower starting price ($62,410 against $71,700), more power (184kW against 179kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 78

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the Toyota Kluger's 78 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $171 less (5 L/100km against 5.6 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Lexus NX, 241L in the Toyota Kluger.

Common questions