Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 presented a more robust and squared-off design compared to its predecessor, aligning with Toyota's SUV and truck lineup. It featured three distinct design themes: Core, Rugged, and Sport, each offering unique front fascia styles. The Core models maintained a more traditional RAV4 look, while the Rugged grade, paired with the Woodland trim, emphasized a boxy aesthetic with all-terrain tires and a roof rack. The Sport style introduced the RAV4 GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, exclusive to the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a streamlined cockpit with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a choice between a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch touchscreen. The interior was designed for functionality, with a wide centre console and USB-C ports offering varying wattage across trims.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the NX 350h F Sport 3, showcased an over-stylized exterior with a large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. Its sporty profile was less extroverted, featuring rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. The F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, with a fastback roof shape reminiscent of coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, offering a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model featured dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its sporty appeal. The interior was adorned with soft-touch surfaces, contributing to an upscale feel.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured an improved hybrid system with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 236 horsepower. It offered standard all-wheel drive through an electronically controlled CVT, providing a smooth transition between motor and engine. The RAV4's suspension was tuned for comfort, with MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear suspension, though it exhibited typical body roll in corners. The Woodland trim, exclusive to the Rugged style, included all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, but its off-road capabilities were not significantly superior to other RAV4 models. Fuel efficiency varied across trims, with the base LE rated at 5.5 L/100 km combined, while the Woodland trim was less efficient at 6.2 L/100 km due to its heavier equipment.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, offered a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing 240 horsepower. Despite its adaptive dampers and firmer suspension, the NX was not particularly sporty, with controlled handling but noticeable body lean in corners. The ride was firm yet comfortable, even with 20-inch wheels. The hybrid system provided adequate power, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, though the drivetrain felt slushy under heavy acceleration. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered a more powerful option with 340 horsepower for those seeking more performance.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained the same dimensions as its predecessor, with a 2,690-millimetre wheelbase and unchanged interior passenger space. Cargo volume increased slightly, offering 1,070 litres with the rear seats up and 1,994 litres with them folded down. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and a centre console that could be accessed from both sides. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, and the RAV4 accommodated four passengers comfortably, though five would be a squeeze. Rear legroom was ample at 960 millimetres, but the RAV4 lagged behind larger competitors in terms of space.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model provided well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. It featured power seat and steering wheel adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seats offered enough space for two average-sized adults, though legroom was limited at 917 millimetres. The NX's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded down. The coupe-like roof shape contributed to the limited cargo capacity, but the NX remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and customizable displays. The touchscreen featured customizable tiles and a Voice Assistant, enhancing user interaction.

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. Optional features included a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote vehicle control via an app. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen angled toward the driver and physical controls for volume and temperature.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. The system's enhancements aimed to improve detection and responsiveness, contributing to the RAV4's strong safety record. Crash test results from the IIHS and NHTSA were pending at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four stars in the NHTSA's frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test. The NX 350h included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system, all of which performed well during testing.