What is more expensive, Lexus NX or RX?
The Lexus RX is typically more expensive than the Lexus NX. The gap widens with higher trims and plug-in or performance variants, but exact prices depend on model year, drivetrain, and optional features.
Price ranges by model year and powertrain
The figures below reflect typical starting MSRPs for the current Lexus lineup in the United States (before taxes, fees, and destination). Prices vary by trim, drivetrain, options, and region.
- Lexus NX: The base NX lineup starts in the upper $30,000s to around $40,000, depending on whether you choose the gas NX 350 or the NX 250. Higher trims and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid push into the mid-to-high $50,000s, especially with options and packages.
- Lexus RX: The RX lineup starts higher, with base models typically in the upper $40,000s to around $50,000. Hybrid variants (RX 350h) sit in the low-to-mid $50,000s, and top trims—including luxury/packages or performance-oriented versions—can exceed $60,000 and approach the mid-$60,000s.
In practice, you’ll see the RX costing more at the entry level and remaining more expensive as you add options or move to more ambitious powertrains, whereas the NX remains the more affordable entry point in the Lexus SUV family.
What drives the price gap between NX and RX
Several factors explain why the RX generally costs more than the NX, even before options are added. Here is a breakdown of the main drivers.
- Size and interior space: The RX is a larger midsize SUV, offering more passenger and cargo space, which typically carries a higher base price.
- Powertrain variety: The NX offers a plug-in hybrid option (NX 450h+) and a conventional gas version, while the RX includes hybrid and plug-in variants that often command premium pricing due to higher total power or efficiency benefits.
- Standard equipment and luxury positioning: The RX line is positioned as a more premium, more feature-rich experience across trims, which often translates into higher starting prices and more included equipment.
- Trim levels and packages: RX trims commonly include more premium options (e.g., advanced driver assistance packages, luxury interiors, and performance-oriented variants) as standard or easily addable, pushing the price upward.
- Regional incentives and availability: Prices can vary by region, dealership incentives, and current supply, affecting the relative cost in any given area.
These factors collectively create a clear pattern: RX models start higher and tend to stay more expensive as buyers add features, while NX remains the more budget-friendly option within Lexus's SUV lineup.
Summary
For most buyers, the Lexus RX will be more expensive than the NX, especially when comparing similarly equipped trims or when opting for hybrids and plug-in variants. The exact difference depends on the chosen model year, trim level, and options. If price is the primary consideration, the NX is typically the better value baseline; if you need more space, luxury features, or hybrid/performance options, the RX remains the premium choice in Lexus’s SUV family. Always check the latest MSRPs from Lexus or your local dealer for the exact figures in your area.
