Honda HR-V vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Honda HR-V, available in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, was priced between $33,446 and $41,846 in Canada, including destination charges. The EX-L trim, which we tested, featured a striking Nordic Forest Pearl paint and 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it a more refined appearance despite its otherwise unremarkable design. The HR-V's styling updates included new wheel designs across all trims and additional paint options, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the HR-V's cabin was more inviting, especially with the EX-L's grey upholstery and upgraded lighting, which added a touch of sophistication to the otherwise black interior.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its bold and intricate design. The front showcased a large spindle grille, flanked by LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes, creating an aggressive look. The profile was sporty yet understated, with dark trim and 20-inch wheels adding to its road-focused demeanor. Inside, the NX Hybrid combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen. The F Sport 3 model's interior was particularly striking with its dark graphite aluminum trim and optional two-tone Circuit Red upholstery, offering a high-quality and upscale feel.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. Despite its modest power, the HR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) managed urban driving well but struggled with acceleration on highways and steep grades. The HR-V's fuel economy was less impressive than expected, averaging 9.5 L/100 km, which was higher than its official ratings. The HR-V's dynamic tuning, however, was commendable, with a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist providing a lively driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre engine and three electric motors, delivering 240 horsepower. While not particularly sporty, the NX Hybrid offered a controlled ride with adaptive dampers and a firm suspension. The hybrid system provided standard all-wheel drive and a 7.2-second 0 to 96 km/h acceleration time. Despite its slushy power delivery, the NX Hybrid was quick enough for urban driving, and its drivetrain included steering wheel paddles for simulated downshifts.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked the innovation of its predecessors, with a standard rear seat configuration and no fold-flat front passenger seat. The HR-V's cargo space was practical, offering 691 litres behind the rear seats and 1,559 litres with them folded. However, the back seat was less accommodating, lacking features like a centre armrest and rear climate control vents. The front seats were comfortable, with heated options standard in Canada, but the overall interior storage was limited.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's interior was more spacious and comfortable, with well-bolstered front seats and ample room for tall adults. The NX Hybrid offered heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat provided enough space for two adults, though legroom was limited. The NX Hybrid's cargo space was smaller than some competitors, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 Honda HR-V featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, it lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX-L trim offered an eight-speaker audio system, and the tech was user-friendly, though it fell short compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered SiriusXM satellite radio and an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX Hybrid included a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote vehicle access and status alerts. The infotainment system was responsive, with easy-to-use controls and a driver-focused design.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to perform as expected, requiring driver intervention. The HR-V received favourable safety ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model year.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and performed well in crash tests. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which included features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system, all of which functioned effectively during testing.