Lexus RX 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus RX starts from $90,350 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Kluger opens at $62,410. That makes the Toyota Kluger the more affordable entry point by $27,940.
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 $99,385 and $68,651 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus RX and Toyota Kluger hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 96% for the Toyota Kluger.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus RX 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 RX and 7 in the Toyota Kluger.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 RX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio 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.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus RX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Kluger offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RX is 0.2s 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, 76mm shorter than the Toyota Kluger at 4,966mm (2,850mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 241L in the Toyota Kluger, giving the Lexus RX a 371L advantage. 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.
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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,539/year for the Lexus RX and $1,596/year for the Toyota Kluger. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.
Estimated annual total: $1,539 (Lexus RX) vs $1,596 (Toyota Kluger). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $57 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 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Kluger). The Toyota Kluger has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Kluger if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus RX and Toyota Kluger trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Lexus RX will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RX 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 RX and Toyota Kluger?
The Toyota Kluger is the cheapest at $62,410 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $27,940.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RX 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 RX has the largest boot at 612L.
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 / Unlimited.
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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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