Whether you are in the market for a luxury SUV or are curious as to the Lexus lineup of SUVs, we’ve outlined some of the differences between these two luxury SUVs from Lexus.
Lexus introduced the NX in 2014, adding a subcompact SUV to its lineup. After all, compact SUVs are quite popular for today’s drivers. While Lexus maintains its upscale brand, the NX strikes a balance between those who want the higher end features and reliability that come with a Lexus, but at a lower price point.
The Lexus RX is the NX’s old brother by about a decade. This luxury SUV is the best-selling SUV for Lexus and features a roomier interior with a more powerful engine. So, let’s take a deeper dive into the comparison of the Lexus RX vs the Lexus NX so you can make the right buying decision for your needs.
What is the difference in design of the Lexus RX vs Lexus NX?
Let’s start with the names. The “N” is NX stands for “Nimble” and the “R” in RX stands for “Rural”. The RX features a lower stance and bigger wheels. The NX is a bit smaller and sportier. Its headlight cluster features a triangular wire pattern. It also has a different grille shape that sits much higher on the front end.
Fuel Economy of the RX and NX
The Lexus RX has a 3.5L V6 engine while the NX is a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. One notable difference is that the Lexus NX requires premium gasoline while the RX requires only regular grade gasoline. Even with a hybrid model, that could be a significant difference in cost. Both Lexus SUVs come in hybrid models, which can offset fuel costs.
Size Matters – how do the NX and RX compare in size?
The Lexus NX is a compact crossover that can seat five people. The new Lexus NX offers 71.6 cubic feet of space inside, with an overall height of 64.8 inches. While the Lexus RX also currently seats five people, it offers a little more space for your money, 121.3 cubic feet, so even backseat passengers can stretch out. It is also slightly taller than the NX at 67.7 inches. There's also the RXL, with a 3rd row of seating, though the seating here is not as roomy as the second row.
Do the Lexus NX and Lexus RX have the same safety features?
Watch our video on Lexus Safety Features:
Both the Lexus RX and NX receive high ratings on both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Standard on both models are:
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Blind Spot Monitoring
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Adaptive cruise control
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Lane-keep assist
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Cross traffic alert
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Automatic emergency braking
Price – What's the difference in price between the Lexus NX and Lexus RX?
The starting price of the 2022 Lexus NX is $39,500. The starting price of the 2022 Lexus RX is $47,000. A rough estimate is that that the Lexus RX is priced about 20 percent higher than the Lexus NX.
Difference in towing capacity Lexus RX vs Lexus NX
If you love the outdoors, towing capacity is an important consideration when you are buying a vehicle. The RX has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, whereas the NX's towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.
Which is a better family car for me and my family - Lexus RX or Lexus NX?
The RX and NX differ in terms of size, price and functionality. So there’s not one right answer for which luxury SUV is best for you and your family. Not surprisingly, there are pros and cons to both models that make them suitable for diverse types of drivers. If comfort and towing capacity are crucial factors, the Lexus RX is the obvious choice. However, if price is a concern, and you don’t need as much room, especially in the cargo, the Lexus NX is the better value.