Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus LBX
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 Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LBX opens at $47,550. That makes the Toyota RAV4 the more affordable entry point by $1,560.
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 $50,589 and $52,305 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LBX by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus LBX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Toyota RAV4 and 82% for the Lexus LBX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota RAV4 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus LBX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota RAV4 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Lexus LBX. The Lexus LBX counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Lexus LBX responds with a Hybrid making 100kW and 185Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota RAV4 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 410mm longer than the Lexus LBX at 4,190mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 332L in the Lexus LBX, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 248L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
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 $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $1,311/year for the Lexus LBX. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LBX.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $1,311 (Lexus LBX). The Lexus LBX saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus LBX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LBX if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota RAV4 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LBX will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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