Compare the2026 Lexus NXVS 2025 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus NX achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid which scored only an “Acceptable” in these critical safety features.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the NX’s standard Downhill Assist Control allows you to creep down safely. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer Downhill Assist Control.

The Lexus NX’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

The NX has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Rav4 Hybrid’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the NX has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Support Brake automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Toyota charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Rav4 Hybrid.

Both the NX and the Rav4 Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Lexus NX is safer than the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Stress	303 lbs.	306 lbs.
Neck Compression	41 lbs.	56 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	381/340 lbs.	400/388 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the NX is safer than the Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	205	307
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Lexus NX is safer than the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	43	83
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.5 inches
Abdominal Force	96 lbs.	138 lbs.
Hip Force	238 lbs.	246 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	134	146
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	49 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Lexus NX is safer than the Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Torso Max Deflection	.98 in	1.34 in
Torso Deflection Rate	4 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	915 lbs.	1093 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	252	542
Head Peak Forces	65 G’s	104 G’s
Neck Compression	134 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.83 in	.94 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	290 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	692 lbs.
Head Protection	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL

The Lexus NX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Rav4 Hybrid is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The NX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Rav4 Hybrid’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the NX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Toyota covers the Rav4 Hybrid. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Rav4 Hybrid ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The NX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Rav4 Hybrid’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the NX second among compact premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Rav4 Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 22 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked fourth.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Toyota vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Toyota is ranked third.

Engine

The NX 350h AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 21 more horsepower (240 vs. 219) than the Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The NX 350 AWD’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 56 more horsepower (275 vs. 219) and 154 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 163) than the Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid. The NX 450h+ Premium AWD’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 85 more horsepower (304 vs. 219) than the Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the NX 350h AWD is faster than the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	7 sec	7.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	15.6 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the NX running on electricity gets better mileage than the Rav4 Hybrid:

			MPGe
NX
	AWD	450h+ Premium AWD Electric Motors	93 city/75 hwy
Rav4 Hybrid
			MPG
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/38 hwy
		Woodland 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/35 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the NX running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Rav4 Hybrid:

			MPG
NX
	FWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	42 city/38 hwy
	AWD	350h AWD 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/37 hwy
Rav4 Hybrid
	AWD	Woodland 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/35 hwy

The NX 450h can travel with zero emissions for 37 miles. The Rav4 Hybrid has to start its internal combustion engine after only 1.6 miles.

Both the NX and Rav4 Hybrid have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. The NX (except NX 350h/450h+) has a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the NX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
Front Rotors	12.9 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	12.5 inches	11.1 inches

The NX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Rav4 Hybrid are solid, not vented.

The NX stops much shorter than the Rav4 Hybrid:

	NX	Rav4 Hybrid
70 to 0 MPH	175 feet	179 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	143 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the NX has larger tires than the Rav4 Hybrid (235/60R18 vs. 225/65R17).

The NX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Rav4 Hybrid LE/XLE’s standard 65 series tires. The NX’s optional tires have a lower 50 series profile than the Rav4 Hybrid’s optional 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the NX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Rav4 Hybrid LE/XLE. The NX’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Rav4 Hybrid Woodland Edition.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the NX can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The NX has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Rav4 Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The NX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Rav4 Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The NX 350 AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Rav4 Hybrid Woodland Edition pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The NX 350 AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Rav4 Hybrid XSE (27.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The NX has 2 inches more front hip room and 4.8 inches more rear hip room than the Rav4 Hybrid.

The front step up height for the NX is 1.2 inches lower than the Rav4 Hybrid (17.8” vs. 19”). The NX’s rear step up height is .4 inches lower than the Rav4 Hybrid’s (18.2” vs. 18.6”).

Cargo Capacity

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the NX’s optional rear seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is limited to 1750 pounds. The NX offers up to a 2000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The NX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Rav4 Hybrid uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 42% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 24th.

Ergonomics

The NX’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The NX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Rav4 Hybrid does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The NX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The NX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key System is only offered on the Rav4 Hybrid XLE/Woodland/SE/XSE/Limited, and doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door. Smart Key System is not available on the Rav4 Hybrid XSE/Limited.

The NX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Rav4 Hybrid’s power window (except driver window), power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The NX’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Rav4 Hybrid LE’s standard fixed intermittent wipers only have one fixed delay setting, so the driver will have to manually switch them between slow and intermittent.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The NX Luxury/450+ F Sport has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The NX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Toyota charges extra for heated mirrors on the Rav4 Hybrid.

When the NX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Rav4 Hybrid’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The NX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Rav4 Hybrid offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Lexus NX and Toyota Rav4 Hybrid offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The NX features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Rav4 Hybrid’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The NX Luxury/F Sport’s optional Advanced Park can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Park will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The NX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Rav4 Hybrid doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus NX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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