Luxury SUVs attract an increasing number of discerning car buyers, and Lexus has a strong presence in this market. The brand has excelled, topping the reliability and customer satisfaction categories in the 2023 Honest John Satisfaction Index. Our team at Lexus Stevens Creek in San Jose, California, created this comparative guide to the Lexus NX and RX to help you decide which luxury SUV is right for you.
Size and Exterior Design
The Lexus NX and RX have a commanding road presence. Both feature sharp body lines and the automaker’s famous spindle grille, but that’s where they part ways. The Lexus RX is longer, wider, and taller than its sibling. Its sleek, sophisticated shape and characteristic blacked-out rear pillars create a floating-roof effect, distinguishing this model from the sportier-looking NX.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The NX and RX offer multiple powertrain options, including gas-powered and hybrid variants. A 2.5-liter, 203-horsepower I-4 powers the NX 250, while the 350 and 350 Sport Handling trims get a 2.4-liter, 275-horsepower turbo I-4. The NX 350h combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a robust 240 horsepower, and the 450h+ and 450h+ Sport Handling plug-in hybrid models boast a net combined 304 horsepower and a manufacturer-estimated all-electric driving range of 37 miles.
The RX 350 utilizes a 2.4-liter, 275-horsepower I-4. Lexus equips the 350h with a hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-liter I-4 that delivers 246 horsepower and gives the 450h+ an upgraded 304-horsepower version. If you want a more dynamic ride, the RX 500h features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, putting out a combined 366 horsepower.
Lexus fits E-Four all-wheel drive (AWD) exclusively to the NX and RX hybrid variants. This advanced system uses an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle, offering on-demand AWD capability and providing extra traction and stability when needed. Lexus mounts the battery packs under the floor, lowering the SUVs’ center of gravity for improved driving dynamics and ride comfort.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Lexus vehicles offer impressive fuel economy, and the ratings for the NX and RX hybrid variants are among the best of the brand’s current lineup. The NX 350h achieves an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on highways, whereas the NX 450h+ earns a remarkable 84 MPGe. The most efficient RX model is the 350h, with EPA-estimated ratings of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. These models use an advanced regenerative braking system to capture kinetic energy during deceleration, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Lexus is using recycled and renewable materials in its products to reduce harmful emissions. The exceptional NX 450h+ is a standout among discerning car buyers. This SUV won the Best Large Plug-in Hybrid title in the Carbuyer Best Car Awards two years in a row thanks to its long electric range and refined interior. It also earned the Plug-in Hybrid of the Year title at the What Car? Awards, highlighting the model’s position as a leading choice for environmentally conscious luxury SUV buyers.
Interior Features and Technology
The Lexus NX and RX set new standards for SUV luxury and tech. Both boast premium touch-screen systems, with the NX offering the choice of a 9.8- or 14-inch display and the RX featuring a standard 14-inch screen. All models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
A Lexus 12-speaker premium audio system fills the RX’s cabin with exceptional sound, enhancing acoustics and elevating the auditory experience. If you’re a music lover, you’ll appreciate the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround system, which transforms the SUV into a rolling concert hall.
Depending on the trim level, the NX and RX offer various comfort and convenience features. These include a color head-up display that projects vehicle information onto the SUV’s windshield in your line of sight and a wireless phone charger.
These luxury SUVs incorporate cutting-edge tech to enhance passenger security and make driving easier and safer. The NX has won several prestigious awards, including the Midsize Premium SUV of the Year title at the Auto Express New Car Awards and the Premium Car of the Year prize at the Company Car and Van Awards. These recognitions are a testament to the upscale SUV’s excellence.
Safety Features and Ratings
The automaker equips the NX and RX with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 to protect you and your passengers on the road. This package includes the following technologies:
- Forward collision mitigation with automatic braking.
- Intersection collision mitigation.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Lane-keep assist.
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Emergency steering assistance.
Available features include a 360-degree camera system, adaptive headlights, and an automated parking system.
Pricing and Value Proposition
With an accessible starting MSRP of $41,990, the 2025 Lexus NX offers an enticing entry point into the world of premium SUVs. The 2024 RX, which has a starting MSRP of $49,950, is perfect if you want an SUV with more room and sophisticated features. Both models offer top value and reflect the brand’s strong reputation for reliability and longevity. They ranked highest overall in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which is a testament to the high quality of these Lexus vehicles.
The compact NX excels in urban environments, allowing you to navigate city streets with ease, while the spacious RX caters to families seeking ample room and comfort. Regardless of your choice, Lexus enhances the ownership experience through comprehensive warranty coverage. This includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty, and complimentary maintenance services for the first 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Which Luxury Lexus SUV Is Right for You?
The NX and RX carve out distinct niches in the diverse landscape of upscale SUVs. The small NX is ideal if you want an agile urban runabout, while the midsize RX may be ideal if you have a growing family. The best way to determine which model suits your needs and preferences is to take them for a spin, experience their driving dynamics, and explore the unique features that set these exceptional vehicles apart.
Experience the Lexus NX and RX at Lexus of Stevens Creek
Experience the luxurious Lexus NX and RX at our Lexus of Stevens Creek dealership. We’ll happily answer your questions and showcase these and any of our other Lexus models. To schedule a test drive, call us at 408-878-4112, complete our secure online form, or visit us at 3333 Stevens Creek Blvd. in San Jose, California. Our team is here from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
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