Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus TX

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—across five trim levels. The RAV4 maintained its boxy wheel arches and introduced a bulge over the rear fenders, reminiscent of the Highlander and 4Runner models. The vehicle's overall boxiness extended from the fascias to the hood and roof lines, with daytime running lights clipping the corners and a vertical tailgate bracketed by an integrated rear roof spoiler. The taillights resembled vertical slash marks narrowing towards the RAV4 badge.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch option. The cockpit felt more streamlined, although climate controls migrated to the touchscreen's lower portion. A wide centre console housed a mechanical gear shifter, except on the Limited trim, which featured a slimmer electric shifter. USB-C ports on top trims offered 45 watts, while the base LE had 15-watt chargers. Wireless device chargers were available on all but the base LE, enhancing the vehicle's functionality.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to its powertrains, including the TX 350 with a Luxury package and the TX 500h hybrid with F Sport Performance options. The TX retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Roof rails were available for additional storage. Inside, the TX provided three interior colour options and ambient lighting, though material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present.

Lexus redesigned the door handles, opting for pressure-reactive exteriors and push-to-open interiors. While not a deal-breaker, the focus on door handles seemed misplaced compared to cabin detail. The TX's interior featured a spacious third row with a recline function, cupholders, and USB-C ports. The second-row seats offered captain's chairs or a bench seat, with a one-touch button for third-row access. However, folding the second row flat proved cumbersome due to multiple levers and automatic seat movement.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured an enhanced hybrid system with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, generating a combined 236 horsepower. In Canada, it came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The electric motor, producing 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque, provided quick power off the line, supplementing the 183 hp and 163 lb-ft four-cylinder engine. Structural rigidity improved, particularly at chassis mounting points, reducing wind noise during cruising.

The CVT offered smooth transitions between motor and engine, with paddle shifters on the Limited trim mimicking eight gear shifts. The RAV4's suspension, supported by MacPherson front struts and a multi-link rear, prioritized comfort, absorbing rough roads with ease. The Woodland trim, exclusive to the Rugged style, featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, raising ground clearance to 21.6 centimetres. Natural Resources Canada rated the RAV4's fuel efficiency at 5.5 to 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the trim.

The 2026 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 included a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained its dimensions from the previous generation, with a 2,690-millimetre wheelbase and unchanged interior passenger space. Cargo volume increased slightly, offering 1,070 litres with seats up and 1,994 litres with seats down. The hatch opening was large and square, though challenging for small dogs. Toyota optimized interior space with clever storage features, including a dashboard shelf for small devices and a centre console accessible from both sides. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, and deep door pockets accommodated large water bottles.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row offered ample space and a recline function, with cupholders and USB-C ports for each seat. A one-touch button facilitated third-row access, though folding the second row flat required multiple levers. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the centre console had a dual-opening lid limiting access. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduced a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a 12.9-inch option on top trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and Toyota's new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and graphics. Customizable tiles on the touchscreen acted as hot buttons, and a subscription-based Voice Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" prompts.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Satellite radio required scanning channels, and steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise and volume, with functions displayed on the gauge cluster or head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues arose. Subscription services included in-dash navigation, a voice assistant, and a digital key. The back-up camera offered a bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system handled parking duties. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a safe exit alert. An enhanced rearview camera and driver attention monitor were available on higher grades. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the NHTSA rating the 2025 model five stars.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The NHTSA rated the TX five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score for the driver's side small overlap front crash test and "Good" for the passenger's side.