Verdict
The Lexus RX costs RM468,888 to the NX’s RM395,888, a RM73,000 step up that buys a 230-mm longer body, 160-mm longer wheelbase and 92 litres more boot space. Its 275 hp and 430 Nm turbo petrol outputs eclipse the NX’s 184 hp and 221 Nm, yet the 0-100 km/h gap is only 0.1 seconds: 7.6 versus 7.7 seconds. The NX counters with hybrid assistance from two motors, a lower 1,765-kg kerb weight and 20-inch run-flat tyres. For Malaysian family use, the RX’s power-folding, reclining rear seats and rear climate control make the stronger practical case.
Pick the Lexus NX if you want hybrid assistance, a more compact 4,660-mm SUV and 20-inch run-flat tyres for RM73,000 less.
Pick the Lexus RX if you need the 612-litre boot, 275 hp/430 Nm turbo power and properly upgraded rear-seat comfort.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Lexus RX RM468,888.
- Power and torque: Lexus NX 184 hp and 221 Nm; Lexus RX 275 hp and 430 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus NX 7.7 seconds; Lexus RX 7.6 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: Lexus NX 4,660 mm and 2,690 mm; Lexus RX 4,890 mm and 2,850 mm.
- Boot space: Lexus NX 520 litres; Lexus RX 612 litres.
- Kerb weight and wheels: Lexus NX 1,765 kg on 20-inch wheels; Lexus RX 1,914 kg on 21-inch wheels.
NX
- Two-motor hybrid-assisted powertrain.
- 149 kg lighter than the RX.
- 20-inch Bridgestone Alenza 001 run-flat tyres.
- 520-litre boot is 92 litres smaller.
- 8-way front seats and 60:40 rear bench lack the RX’s rear-seat functions.
- RM830 annual road tax is RM76 higher.
RX
- 275 hp and 430 Nm from its 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine.
- 612-litre boot and 2,850-mm wheelbase.
- Heated and ventilated 40:20:40 power-folding, reclining rear seats.
- Costs RM73,000 more.
- No hybrid motors or hybrid assistance.
- 149 kg heavier than the NX.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM395,888✓ | RM468,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM754✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC Direct and Port injection with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,487 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 275 hp✓ |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 430 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Bore | 87.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 11 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 133 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 208 Nm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | 7.6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,890 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,765 kg | 1,914 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 68 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 612 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 235/50R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 235/50R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats | Bridgestone Alenza 001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | Adaptive LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated and Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Power Folding and Recline, 40:20:40 Split-folding, Heated and Ventilated |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front 12-volt, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera and 3D Function |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key | Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used NX & RX for sale
NX vs RX FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Lexus RX better?
The RX is better for passengers, luggage and power, with a 612-litre boot, rear climate control and 275 hp. The NX is the better choice if hybrid assistance, a smaller footprint and the lower RM395,888 entry price matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus RX is RM73,000 more expensive: RM468,888 versus RM395,888 for the Lexus NX.
Which has the better rear-seat arrangement?
The RX does. It has heated and ventilated rear seats that power-fold and recline in a 40:20:40 split, plus single-zone rear climate control. The NX has rear vents and a manual 60:40 split-folding bench.