Lexus NX vs Polestar 3

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 3 opens at $99,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $40,000.

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 $65,890 and $109,890 respectively.

The Polestar 3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus NX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Lexus NX and Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 90% for the Polestar 3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar 3 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Lexus NX.

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 8 in the Polestar 3. The Polestar 3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus NX misses.

The Lexus NX features a 14-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Polestar 3 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that the Lexus NX does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 152kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 240mm shorter than the Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 597L in the Polestar 3, giving the Polestar 3 a 77L 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.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3). The Polestar 3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.