Lexus NX vs Toyota Kluger
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Kluger opens at $62,410. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $2,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,890 and $68,651 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus NX and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 96% for the Toyota Kluger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota Kluger.
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 Toyota Kluger.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Kluger gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Kluger. The Toyota Kluger counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 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 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Kluger is 1.1s 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. The Toyota Kluger seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Kluger leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Lexus NX and $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Kluger.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Lexus NX) vs $1,596 (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Kluger takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Toyota Kluger will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus NX has a clear edge. The Toyota Kluger adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus NX and Toyota Kluger?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Kluger by $2,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Kluger uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus NX and Toyota Kluger all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus NX has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Kluger has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota Kluger has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Kluger makes the most power at 184kW. The Toyota Kluger is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
