Lexus UX vs Toyota RAV4
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 UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota RAV4 opens at $45,990. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $51,590 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus UX features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota RAV4 gets a 10.5-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus UX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota RAV4 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 responds with a Petrol Hybrid making 143kW and 221Nm, paired to a cvt (e-cvt) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 105mm shorter than the Toyota RAV4 at 4,600mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 217L in the Lexus UX and 580L in the Toyota RAV4, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 363L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,052/year for the Lexus UX and $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Lexus UX) vs $1,881 (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4). The Toyota RAV4 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 7 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The Toyota RAV4 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 UX and Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus UX by $910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus UX and Toyota RAV4 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 580L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota RAV4 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Toyota RAV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.4s.
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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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