The Lexus NX or RX, which Lexus SUV should you be getting? Well, welcome to the channel! My name is Andrew, and I’m going to break down all the things that you need to consider when you’re choosing between these two Lexus luxury SUVs.
Price Considerations
When it comes to buying a new SUV, price is a significant factor. The Lexus NX and RX come with different price tags, and the cost difference can impact your decision. The base model of the Lexus NX is priced lower than the RX, with an approximate difference of ten thousand dollars. This cost difference is substantial, and it made me pause and think about what I really needed in an SUV.
I needed a family SUV that could serve as a daily driver, packing all the essentials: a kid, the wife, and everything else we might need. I had to consider whether spending an extra ten thousand dollars on the RX was worth it for the additional space and features.
My Decision-Making Process
Budget was the first and foremost consideration. I had already spent around seventy thousand dollars on the Lexus NX 350h, the hybrid model, including taxes. I bought the car six months ago, and there was no room for negotiation at the dealer. Even though car prices are starting to soften, the extra cost of the RX was significant.
The Lexus RX costs around eighty thousand dollars for the equivalent RX 350h model. This upgrade for additional space translates to about fifteen thousand dollars more. Paying tax on a more expensive vehicle adds to the cost, and I had to think carefully about whether the extra space was worth it.
Space and Comfort
One of the primary reasons to consider the RX over the NX is the additional space. The Lexus NX has made improvements in the back, adding more room, but the RX offers roughly 20% more space. This includes both the cargo area and the passenger space.
I reviewed the 2023 Lexus RX 500h, which costs around ninety thousand Canadian dollars. Although the RX 500h and RX 350h are the same size, the additional space is noticeable. The RX offers more comfort for rear passengers and a bit more room up front. However, the question remains: is this extra space enough to justify the higher cost?
For my family, the additional space in the RX was more of a nice-to-have rather than a necessity. If you have two kids, the RX makes things a bit easier, but it’s still a five-seater, not a seven-seater. The NX, with its improvements, was sufficient for our needs, making the RX more of a quality-of-life enhancement rather than a necessity.
Performance and Technology
Both the NX and RX share the same drivetrain components, including the engine and hybrid technology. The RX 500h, however, offers enhanced performance with 376 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. This makes the RX 500h an exciting option if performance is a priority.
In terms of technology, both models offer similar features, with small upgrades in the RX. These include traffic jam assist and a Mark Levinson sound system with 23 speakers. The RX also features higher-quality materials in the interior, making it a step up from the NX.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another critical factor, especially for a family daily driver. Both the NX and RX hybrids offer excellent fuel efficiency. The RX 500h is slightly more expensive to run, but it still delivers good fuel economy, around 8.7 to 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
I chose the hybrid version of the NX for its fuel efficiency, and it has proven to be a great daily driver. If you’re considering between the gas and hybrid versions, the hybrid’s fuel economy is a significant advantage.
Final Thoughts
After considering all these factors, I couldn’t justify the extra cost of the RX for my current needs. The ten thousand dollar difference was material to me, and I didn’t need the additional space and luxury features enough to warrant the extra expense.
However, if you’re in a different situation, with a larger family or different priorities, the RX might be worth the investment.
The Lexus brand offers reliability and high residual value, making both the NX and RX excellent choices. I have had previous Lexus vehicles, including the IS-250 and IS-350, which have been incredibly reliable.
