Clash of the titans: the toyota rav4 and lexus nx 300h face off in suv supremacy
What To Know
- The RAV4 Hybrid XLE and Limited trims achieve an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the NX 300h returns 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- The RAV4 has a more rugged and utilitarian feel, while the NX 300h exudes a more refined and luxurious atmosphere.
- The NX 300h provides a more luxurious and refined experience, with a more comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features.
When it comes to compact hybrid SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX 300h stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer a compelling blend of fuel efficiency, practicality, and premium features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX 300h, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the RAV4 Hybrid and NX 300h both feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. However, the RAV4 produces slightly more horsepower (219 vs. 194) and torque (189 lb-ft vs. 175 lb-ft).
In terms of fuel economy, the RAV4 Hybrid has a slight edge over the NX 300h. The RAV4 Hybrid XLE and Limited trims achieve an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, while the NX 300h returns 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, both the RAV4 and NX 300h offer spacious and well-appointed cabins. The RAV4 has a more rugged and utilitarian feel, while the NX 300h exudes a more refined and luxurious atmosphere.
In terms of features, the NX 300h comes standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system. The RAV4 Limited trim offers a similar level of equipment, but the infotainment system is slightly smaller at 8 inches.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both the RAV4 and NX 300h have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
The NX 300h offers a more comprehensive suite of driver assistance features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assist. These features are available as options on higher trims of the RAV4.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The RAV4 offers more cargo space than the NX 300h, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX 300h has 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Both SUVs offer versatile seating configurations and adjustable cargo areas. The RAV4 has a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat, while the NX 300h has a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat.
Off-Road Capabilities
The RAV4 has a slight advantage over the NX 300h in terms of off-road capabilities. It offers an available all-wheel drive system with a multi-terrain select feature, which allows you to optimize the SUV’s performance for different driving conditions. The NX 300h is only available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but it does not have the same level of off-road capability as the RAV4.
Price and Value
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $30,225 for the XLE trim, while the Lexus NX 300h starts at $41,550 for the base trim. The RAV4 Limited trim and the NX 300h F Sport trim are both priced around $37,000.
In terms of value, the RAV4 offers a more affordable entry point and a wider range of trim levels. The NX 300h provides a more luxurious and well-equipped experience, but it comes at a higher cost.
Takeaways
The Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX 300h are both excellent compact hybrid SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The RAV4 offers a more rugged and versatile design, better off-road capabilities, and a lower price point. The NX 300h provides a more luxurious and refined experience, with a more comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, off-road performance, and a spacious interior, the Toyota RAV4 is a great option. If you value luxury, refinement, and a high level of technology, the Lexus NX 300h is worth considering.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the RAV4 Hybrid or the NX 300h?
A: The RAV4 Hybrid has slightly better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, compared to 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway for the NX 300h.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the RAV4 or the NX 300h?
A: The RAV4 has more cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, compared to 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down for the NX 300h.
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities, the RAV4 or the NX 300h?
A: The RAV4 has better off-road capabilities, thanks to its available all-wheel drive system with a multi-terrain select feature. The NX 300h is only available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but it does not have the same level of off-road capability as the RAV4.