Toyota’s RAV4 is one of the most iconic SUVs to ever exist. It may have single-handedly rocketed the compact SUV segment to where it is today. In 2024, it remains one of the best value-for-money SUVs out there. However, if you’re looking for something a little more plush, Lexus may have a more enticing option.
Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, and as such their vehicles share a lot of DNA with their mainstream cousins. The Lexus NX shares its platform with the RAV4 but costs thousands of dollars more. However, that money gets you a surprisingly large amount of equipment, and to some, it may be well worth it. To show what the extra money over the RAV4 gets you on the Lexus NX, we’ve taken a dive into both Toyota and Lexus’ offerings. We compare their starting points, starting equipment, best trims, powertrains, and interior bits and bobs, giving you all the information you need to decide whether you will spend the extra money.
Both the RAV4 and NX benefit from Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability, which makes either choice a smart long-term investment. The NX may wear a Lexus badge, but it shares many of its underpinnings with the RAV4, meaning lower maintenance complexity and fewer surprises down the road. For buyers who plan to keep their SUV beyond the warranty period, both models deliver peace of mind—but the NX adds a premium touch to the proven Toyota formula.
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The Lexus NX Starts At Around $11,000 More Than The Toyota RAV4
Before deciding if the Lexus NX is worth the premium over the Toyota RAV4, it’s essential to understand the price difference. The NX starts at roughly $11,000 more than the RAV4, and that gap widens with higher trims. Still, even the base NX comes generously equipped, offering enough features to make a strong case for the added cost.
RAV4 Trims And Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
LE |
$29,800 |
|
XLE |
$31,310 |
|
XLE Premium |
$34,200 |
|
Limited |
$38,105 |
The RAV4 currently sits in the 2024 model year, starting at just under $30,000. However, the base model is a little stark. Toyotas are known for coming with a bevy of standard equipment in the way of driver assists and safety features, and this is true for the RAV4. However, the LE just doesn’t have the chops to live up to the expectations of the modern car buyer in the U.S.
While the TRD Off-Road model is certainly attractive, and plays into the RAV4’s heritage as an adventure vehicle, the average person is going to find the most value in the XLE Premium trim. This adds things like dual-zone climate control, 19-inch wheels, a touch of leather throughout the cabin, and a bevy of power-operated bits and bobs, like the liftgate and moonroof.
Lexus NX Trims And Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
NX 250 |
$41,590 |
|
NX 350 |
$45,350 |
|
NX 350 F Sport |
$50,450 |
If you’re shopping for a non-hybrid SUV, the Lexus NX lineup offers three internal combustion engine (ICE) variants. While hybrid options like the NX 350h and NX 450h+ are available, this article focuses solely on gas-only models. Though the NX has entered the 2025 model year, we’re using 2024 models for a fair comparison. Starting with the NX 250, you’ll pay about $11,790 more than the entry-level Toyota RAV4.
The NX 250 comes well-equipped, but stepping up to the NX 350 is worth it for the stronger powertrain alone. The NX 350 F Sport, in particular, strikes a compelling balance between luxury and sportiness. Both versions come loaded with upscale features you won’t find in a RAV4, including standard leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and ambient lighting. It’s a premium experience that goes well beyond Toyota’s more utilitarian offering.
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The Interior Of The NX Is An Experience Where The RAV4’s Is Utilitarian
Both SUVs have very different approaches, and this shines through in their design ideologies. The RAV4 is a more humble vehicle, aiming to be as simple and usable as possible. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, aims for drama, opting for luxurious curves and high-quality materials that make its opulence apparent to anyone who climbs inside.
Toyota RAV4 Interior
Cloth seats, hard plastics, and a lack of leather are apparent in the RAV4, especially the base LE. In order to feel more comfortable, you really need to climb the trim ladder to the XLE Premium, which adds faux leather upholstery, improved plastics, and a padded dashboard. Regardless, though, it’s obvious that the RAV4 is meant to be practical rather than flashy. Its old-school, button-laden dashboard layout may be appealing to those who rebel against the touch controls that dominate the current market.
Space is not an issue on the RAV4, with there being plenty of room for passengers in the front and the rear seats. There is also a decent amount of room for cargo in the back, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row of seats.
Lexus NX Interior
The Lexus NX is more of a dramatic affair. The cabin is incredibly driver-focused, with everything gently wrapping around the front seat. You won’t find any low-quality plastics in here, with Lexus utilizing soft-touch, two-tone leather throughout the cabin. This is true even of the base model. Open pore wood is even available to take things to the next level. Take all the added technology into account, and it’s clear that the Lexus is a contemporary affair.
The Lexus NX is a similar size to the RAV4, thanks to their shared platform, meaning that space for passengers is plentiful. The Lexus is slightly shorter though, mostly affecting cargo space. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find that the NX has 22.7 cubic feet of space.
The Optional Powertrain In The NX Make It An Attractive Option
Once again, leaning into its practical purpose, the RAV4 comes with a single powertrain that prioritizes efficiency above all else. The NX comes with the exact same base powertrain, but you also have the option of upgrading to something a little more exciting. This level of choice is something that we truly appreciate, and it makes us wish that Toyota offered the more powerful engine in the RAV4 as well.
RAV4 Performance
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
203 HP |
|
Torque |
184 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.3 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
119 MPH |
The powertrain in the RAV4 is not a bad one by any means. It produces 203 horsepower, which is more than enough for the average driver sticking to urban areas. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, except for the TRD Off-Road trim, with all-wheel drive as an optional extra. The transmission isn’t the smoothest that Toyota has produced, but it certainly gets the job done.
Lexus NX Performance
|
Engine |
2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
203 HP |
275 HP |
|
Torque |
184 LB-FT |
317 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.3 Seconds |
6.6 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
119 MPH |
126 MPH |
The Lexus NX comes with the same base powertrain that you would find in the RAV4. However, being able to upgrade to the turbocharged inline-four is certainly a plus and something we would recommend. The NX 350 comes standard with this engine, as well as offering all-wheel drive as standard. Opt for the more exciting F Sport model, and you also get adaptive suspension, which firms up the ride. The PHEV NX 450h+ is also an exciting option for those that fancy themselves a hybrid.
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The NX Is An Innovative, Tech-Focused SUV
One of the biggest areas where the NX shows that it has more to offer than the RAV4 is in the realms of tech. The RAV4 aims to please by offering the basics at an affordable price. The NX aims to please by offering a futuristic experience that only a true luxury car can offer.
Another factor that may tip the scale for buyers is resale value. The RAV4 holds its value remarkably well, often ranking near the top in its class. The Lexus NX, however, performs even better thanks to its luxury branding and upscale appeal. While the upfront cost is higher, the NX may recoup more at trade-in or resale time. Combine that with Lexus’ relatively affordable ownership costs for a luxury vehicle, and the long-term financial picture becomes even more compelling.
RAV4 Tech
The Toyota RAV4 comes standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims upgrade to a larger 10.5-inch display. Most models include a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, though a fully digital 12.3-inch panel is available as an upgrade. An 11-speaker JBL premium audio system is also offered on select trims. Other features, like dual-zone climate control, are optional—while the base model sticks with a single-zone setup.
Lexus NX Tech
The Lexus NX comes standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen angled toward the driver for easier access. Higher trims upgrade to a larger 14-inch display. No matter which model you choose, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. A wireless charging pad and a head-up display are also available as options. For audiophiles, an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivers a premium listening experience. Ambient lighting comes standard, offering a customizable palette of 64 colors, and every NX includes dual-zone climate control as standard.