Honda HR-V vs Lexus TX

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 Nordic Forest Pearl paint and an MSRP of $42,246. The HR-V's design was not universally appealing, with its blobby grille and unusual profile, but the green paint and 18-inch alloy wheels under gloss-black wheel arches enhanced its appearance. The 2026 model introduced new wheel designs across all trims and added fresh paint colours like Boost Blue and Solar Silver. Inside, the HR-V's cabin was more attractive, especially with the grey upholstery available only in the EX-L trim with a white exterior. The EX-L also boasted genuine leather seats with Z-pattern stitching and upgraded cabin lighting, including front footwell lighting and silver steering wheel spokes. The interior's attention to detail, such as metal mesh dashboard trim and tamboured knobs, gave it a premium feel.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages depending on the powertrain, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The TX's design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered three colour options and ambient lighting, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though not necessarily an improvement. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that accommodated adults comfortably, and the second row featured a one-touch button for easy access to the third row. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were a mix of screen-based and physical dials. The TX excelled in cargo space, with up to 2,747 litres available when all rear seats were folded.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. Weighing up to 1,510 kilograms, the HR-V's engine worked hard, especially when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT performed well in urban settings, the HR-V struggled with acceleration on highways and steep grades. Fuel economy was not as impressive as expected, with the HR-V averaging 9.5 L/100 km on our test loop, compared to the official ratings of 8.3 L/100 km for FWD and 8.7 L/100 km for AWD. The HR-V's dynamic tuning was commendable, featuring a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist for lively handling. The steering was not particularly quick, but the brakes performed well, and the EX-L's 18-inch wheels provided good grip.

The base Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had standard electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h employed Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. The TX was not designed as a sports car, but it provided a comfortable and responsive ride.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked the innovation of its predecessor, with the rear "Magic Seat" now folding flat like other crossovers. The HR-V missed features like a fold-flat front passenger seat, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage was reasonable for the driver and front passenger, but the back seat lacked comfort and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The HR-V offered 691 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,559 litres with the seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second row had a one-touch button for easy access to the third row, though folding it flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but could use more thigh support. The TX excelled in cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

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 base LX had four speakers, while the Sport and EX-L had six and eight speakers, respectively. The tech was simple and user-friendly, with good smartphone integration and a smart digital instrumentation panel.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some features like manual satellite radio input. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their functions were not clearly labeled. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The TX offered a range of subscription services, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The back-up camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system was available for automated parking. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Honda HR-V came with Honda Sensing, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The HR-V received favourable ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2025 model year.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and the TX received five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the TX "Acceptable" for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and "Good" for the passenger's side.