The Lexus NX and Lexus RX crossover SUVs are two of the most popular luxury-brand models in the country. Although the NX is smaller than the RX, comparing the two is logical because many luxury buyers are interested in choosing one over the other. That would have been a relatively easy decision in the past because the RX was superior in virtually any category you could name. Because of that, the Lexus RX has been the most popular luxury crossover for decades—if you eliminate the Tesla Model Y from consideration.
The Lexus RX was the first luxury crossover and has endured as the 800-pound gorilla in one of the luxury market's most popular categories. It got its most recent makeover for the 2023 model year.
The smaller Lexus NX entered the market much later than the RX and, in its earlier iterations, was viewed as too small and out of sync with the American luxury buyer. But the newest generation of the NX, launched for the 2022 model year, has cured those ills. Lexus bases it on the immensely popular Toyota RAV4 crossover, which means it's right in step with what U.S. customers want. And the fact that it does a great job of hiding its RAV4 lineage under attractive sheet metal doesn't hurt.
Both the Lexus NX and RX are 5-passenger vehicles. Though buyers can equip either with all-wheel drive (AWD), they have virtually no off-road pretensions. Instead, they are comfortable and quiet on-pavement conveyances that can haul a lot of stuff and are easy to get in and out of. Both give customers the choice of conventional gasoline, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. Both offer F Sport trim packages that blend significant comfort into their performance mix.
Here's a detailed comparison of the 2024 Lexus NX and the 2024 Lexus RX.
2024 Lexus NX 350 F Sport
The 2024 Lexus NX gives customers the choice of six trim levels: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, NX 350 F Sport, NX 450h+, and NX 450h+ F Sport. The NX 250 includes a price-leader front-wheel-drive (FWD) version. The rest of the line employs AWD of one type or another. The F Sport trims are less high-performance-oriented than their German competitors. The NX 450h+ and NX 450h+ F Sport PHEVs offer an EPA-estimated all-electric driving range of 37 miles.
The 2024 Lexus NX 250 has a base price of $40,605, including the $1,150 destination and prep charge. Adding AWD increases the suggested price by $1,600. The middle-of-the-line NX 350, with standard AWD, has a starting price of $44,365. The hybrid-powered NX 350h AWD commands a minimal premium at $44,615. The top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD has a starting price of $61,155.
The 2024 Lexus RX gives its shoppers the choice of five conventionally powered trims: RX 350, RX 350 Premium, RX 350 Premium+, RX 350 Luxury, and RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD. In addition, six hybrid trims are available: RX 350h AWD, RX 350h Premium AWD, RX 350h Premium+ AWD, RX 350h Luxury AWD, RX 450h+ Luxury AWD, and RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. Note that the RX 450h+ Luxury AWD is a plug-in hybrid.
The least expensive RX is the RX 350, with a suggested starting price of $49,950 in FWD form and $51,550 with AWD. The mid-line RX 350 Premium+ begins at $53,950 with FWD. The RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD has a suggested base price of $58,550. On the hybrid side of the ledger, the least expensive model is the RX 350h AWD, with a base of $52,100. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ has a starting price of $70,580.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350 Premium
The Lexus NX is the highest-ranked model in the Compact Premium SUV segment in the JD Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The NX does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days.
The 2024 Lexus NX has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Lexus RX ranks highest in the Midsize Premium SUV segment in the 2024 VDS but does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the 2023 IQS.
The 2024 Lexus RX has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Neither
Both models have identical warranty coverage and lead their respective market segments in the 2024 VDS.
2024 Lexus NX 350 F Sport
The 2024 Lexus NX offers buyers the choice of four powertrains, all available with FWD or AWD. Lexus equips the price-leader NX 250 with a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. The NX 350 offers buyers a 275-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, also teamed with an 8-speed automatic. The NX 350h uses a conventional hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 240 total horsepower.
The plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ is the hottie for those interested in performance. It teams a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric drive motors to deliver 304 hp and 37 miles of electric-only range.
As one might expect, the plug-in NX 450h+ has the highest fuel economy, with an 84-MPGe combined rating. The hybrid NX 350h gets a 39-mpg combined mark from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while both FWD and AWD versions of the NX 250 score 28-mpg combined ratings. The NX 350 AWD is EPA-rated at 24 mpg combined.
The hybrid trims offer better all-around drivability than the conventionally powered NX models because of their nearly instant electric-motor torque. At the same time, the conventional trims provide good ride comfort, quiet, and reasonable acceleration.
Like the NX, the 2024 Lexus RX offers buyers four powertrains, including three separate hybrid setups. Those disinclined to try new technology will opt for the RX 350 trims with a 275-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Others will find an array of hybrid choices. The RX 350h AWD pairs two electric motors with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder running the Atkinson cycle to produce 246 total horsepower. The RX 500h AWD pushes the envelope with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and two electric drive motors to deliver 366 hp.
The RX 450h+ features a PHEV powertrain. It teams a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with two electric drive motors for 302 combined horsepower. It offers an EPA-estimated 37-mile driving range on electric power.
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has a manufacturer-estimated 83-MPGe combined rating. The RX 350h gets a 36-mpg combined fuel-economy estimate from the EPA. The Lexus RX 500h gets a 29-mpg combined rating, and the turbo-powered RX 350 checks in at 25 mpg.
As with the NX, the hybrid RX models offer better all-around drivability than the turbocharged RX 350. None are exceptionally sporty, as Lexus engineers chose, probably correctly, to emphasize comfort and quiet in all RX models.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350 Premium
All 2024 Lexus NX models feature Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, the brand's roster of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and electronic safety technology. In addition to what is becoming a typical array of ADAS, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes several more unusual pieces of tech.
Using the NX's camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist activates gentle braking into curves. It initiates gentle braking and steering to maintain the distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Road Sign Assist (traffic-sign recognition) uses a camera to detect a variety of traffic control and warning signs. The system then displays an icon of the sign on the instrument panel.
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist applies gentle braking and steering to avoid collisions with detectable objects within the NX's lane in the daytime. Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, aka intersection turn assistance, provides a warning and automatic braking if the system determines the driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle. It, too, is only operable during the day.
At the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the 2024 Lexus NX for overall crashworthiness. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn't rated the 2024 Lexus NX but did give the structurally similar 2023 NX a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
All 2024 Lexus RX SUVs come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which mirrors the ADAS features available on the 2024 NX. In addition, the RX offers a trial and then a subscription to Drive Connect, which provides traffic-jam assist. The system monitors traffic in highly congested stop-and-go conditions on limited-access highways and automatically accelerates and brakes to keep a preset following distance behind the vehicle ahead. In addition to hands-free steering assistance, the system can automatically bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
At the time of writing, the NHTSA has not rated the 2024 Lexus RX for overall crashworthiness. The IIHS hasn't rated the 2024 Lexus RX but named the structurally similar 2023 RX a Top Safety Pick+.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus NX 350
Lower-line versions of the 2024 Lexus NX have a 9.8-inch centrally mounted touchscreen, the entryway to the Toyota-engineered Audio Multimedia infotainment system. That's a sizable screen, but an optional 14-inch touchscreen and a 3-year trial to the Direct Connect suite of connected services are available. The latter provides cloud-based integral navigation, destination assistance, and voice control. The system will store user profiles that you can access from other Lexus vehicles.
The Lexus infotainment screens are clear and provide easy-to-reach icons that are clearly labeled. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard. Some trims offer the availability of a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.
With standard 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment and a 14-inch high-definition touchscreen available, the infotech in the 2024 Lexus RX clones that of the smaller NX. The system's menu operations mimic those found in smartphones and tablets. However, traditionalists will appreciate the on/off/volume knob located at the center of the screen's bottom edge.
The RX offers several subscription connectivity services: Drive Connect, facilitating cloud-based navigation and voice commands; Remote Connect, supporting digital key functionality; Safety Connect, for emergencies and vehicle theft; and Service Connect, for maintenance reminders.
The RX also features additional equipment unavailable on the NX. This roster includes a head-up display, active parking assistance, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system.
Advantage: Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX 350 Premium
Inside the 2024 Lexus NX, you'd never suspect that a Toyota RAV4 lies beneath the skin. The interior bathes its occupants in rich, soft-touch materials, including wood and genuine leather. Lexus offers NX buyers the choice of five seat and trim color combinations. Black open-pore wood and a 3-dimensional take on piano black highlight the trim options.
A moonroof and a panoramic glass roof are optionally available to brighten the attractive cabin. Further brightening is on tap with the optional ambient lighting. The nature-inspired illumination scheme offers 14 themes, including Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset. Strip Mall, Wet Socks, and Dumpster Fire did not make the final list.
The 5-passenger NX offers multi-adjustable front bucket seats and a rear bench seat belted for three. The NX 350 has 22.7 cubic feet of rear cargo space with both rows of seats in use. With the rear seatback folded, the cargo area jumps to 46.9 cubic feet. The tow rating is 2,000 pounds. Lexus engineers have done a very creditable job taming interior noise and providing cushy ride quality.
The 2024 Lexus RX gives buyers the choice of six interior color schemes and four trim styles. Among the latter are black, ash bamboo, black open-pore wood, and dark-finished aluminum. Seat and trim colors include medium brown, black, off-white, light brown, maroon, and red.
The front bucket seats offer good bolstering while remaining easy to get into. Lengthy time at the wheel is much more tolerable due to the RX's seat comfort. The rear seat isn't quite as comfy, but a 40/20/40 power-operated split-folding rear bench is comfortable in its own right. In addition to power-folding capabilities, the rear seats offer optional heating and ventilation.
Front and rear seating areas are roomier than in the NX, but the differences are smaller than you might expect. The RX offers 29.6 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seats in use. Fold the seats, and the space increases to 46.2 cubic feet, virtually the same as the NX. Most 2024 Lexus RX trims have a towing capacity of 3,494 pounds. Like the NX, the RX offers both moonroof and panoramic roofs.
Advantage: Lexus RX
If you'd like to learn more about these premium SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Lexus NX and the Lexus RX. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on October 12, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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