Lexus RX vs Lexus NX
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 RX starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $25,000.
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 $93,390 and $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus RX and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 91% for the Lexus NX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus RX and 8 in the Lexus NX.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus NX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio that you will not find on the Lexus NX. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 179kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.
The Lexus NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 230mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus RX a 92L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus NX leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg 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 11.8m
Based on 11.8m 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 $1,967/year for the Lexus RX and $1,739/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus RX) vs $1,739 (Lexus NX). The Lexus NX saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX) / 4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus RX and Lexus NX trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Lexus NX will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RX and Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $25,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus NX uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX and Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus NX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RX makes the most power at 179kW. The Lexus RX is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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
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