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What is the difference between a Lexus NX 350 and an RX 350?

The NX 350 is the smaller, more affordable compact crossover, while the RX 350 is the larger, more luxurious mid-size SUV with more interior space and feature options. Both share a turbocharged four-cylinder heart, but they target different buyers in terms of size, practicality, and price.

Size and Space

Understanding how much room you gain or lose can help the decision between a compact and a mid-size Lexus.

Overall length: NX around 183 inches; RX around 192 inches — roughly 9-10 inches longer in the RX.

Wheelbase: NX about 106–108 inches; RX about 109–112 inches — the RX rides on a longer wheelbase for more legroom.

Cargo capacity (behind the second row): NX roughly 17–18 cubic feet; RX roughly 32 cubic feet — RX provides notably more behind-the-seat storage.

Passenger space: Both seat five; the RX generally offers more rear legroom and a roomier feel overall.

In short, the RX 350 delivers more interior and cargo space, making it a better fit for families or those who regularly haul gear.

Powertrains and Performance

Engine notes and how they translate to daily driving help distinguish the two models beyond size alone.

NX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing about 275 horsepower and roughly 315 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive available; tuned for a nimble, city-friendly ride.

RX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing about 275 horsepower and around 317 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive commonly available or standard on some trims; tuned for a smoother, more refined highway feel.

Efficiency and dynamics: Both are peppy for their class, but the NX often feels sportier and lighter, while the RX emphasizes quietness and a more mid-size SUV highway demeanor.

Both engines are closely matched on power, with the RX typically delivering a slightly more comfortable long-drive experience due to its larger chassis and smoother ride dynamics.

Interior, Technology, and Comfort

Interior space, materials, and standard tech play a big role in choosing between the two Lexus SUVs.

NX 350: Cabin is modern and driver-oriented with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and available 14-inch display on higher trims; premium materials and sport-oriented design are common in higher-spec versions; supportive front seats and agile handling suit daily commuting.

RX 350: Larger, more luxurious feel with more rear legroom; higher trims offer bigger screens (up to a larger infotainment setup in recent years) and features like massaging front seats; overall emphasis is on comfort and refinement for longer trips.

Interior quality and tech tend to skew toward the RX for luxury features and spaciousness, while the NX balances sportiness and efficiency with a solid tech package across trims.

Pricing and Trims

Sticker price and available configurations reflect the distinct roles of each model in the Lexus lineup.

MSRP and trims: NX 350 starts lower in price, with trims including base, Premium, and F Sport; RX 350 starts higher, offering Luxury, F Sport, and Executive-style options depending on model year and market.

Hybrid options: The NX family includes the NX 350h hybrid variant; the RX family offers hybrid options in various markets as the RX 350h or similar, expanding efficiency choices beyond the standard turbo models.

Pricing generally mirrors size and luxury level, with the RX typically commanding a higher sticker price than the NX, especially in top trims with added comfort and tech.

What Should You Choose?

Decision guidance based on typical needs and use cases.

Choose the NX 350 if you want a more compact, city-friendly crossover with strong performance, easier parking, and a lower entry price.

Choose the RX 350 if you prioritize space, comfort, and upscale features for families or long highway drives, and don’t mind a higher price.

Both models share core Lexus reliability and a similar turbocharged engine philosophy, so your choice largely comes down to space, comfort, and budget rather than fundamental performance.

Summary

In brief, the NX 350 and RX 350 sit at opposite ends of Lexus’ SUV spectrum: the NX is the compact, agile, and more affordable option with strong value, while the RX is the larger, more refined, and better-equipped choice for buyers who need more space and luxury. If you regularly transport people or gear and want a more comfortable ride on longer trips, the RX is the stronger candidate. If you value nimble city driving and a lower price point, the NX fits the bill.

Which one is bigger, NX or RX?

The Lexus RX is bigger than the NX. The RX is classified as a midsize luxury SUV, while the NX is a compact luxury SUV, with the RX being longer, wider, and taller. This size difference means the RX typically offers more interior space for passengers and cargo, though both are comfortable for up to five people.

Feature	Lexus RX	Lexus NX
Classification	Midsize SUV	Compact SUV
Length	192.5 inches	183.5 inches
Width	75.6 inches	73.4 inches
Height	67.3 inches	65.4 inches
Seating Capacity	Up to 7 (optional)	Up to 5
Cargo Space	More spacious	Less space

What is the difference between RX 350 and NX 350?

The NX comes standard with a 2.0-liter Turbo Inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 235 horsepower, while the RX takes it up a notch with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that boasts 295 horsepower.

Is the Lexus NX just a RAV4?

No, the Lexus NX is not just a RAV4; it is a more luxurious and refined compact SUV that shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4 but differentiates itself with premium materials, different engine options, more advanced technology, and a higher price point. While both are built on the same TNGA-K platform, the NX offers a more upscale experience and performance variations.
Key differences
This video highlights the differences in size and cargo space between the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4: 54sJosh on CarsYouTube · Apr 9, 2023

Feature	Lexus NX	Toyota RAV4
Design and Interior	Focuses on luxury with premium materials, a more upscale interior design, and a sportier, coupe-like exterior.	Emphasizes practicality and utility with a more traditional, boxy SUV design.
Powertrain	Offers more engine options, including turbocharged and plug-in hybrid variants, with higher horsepower outputs on some models.	Provides fewer engine options but includes a very popular hybrid powertrain.
Technology	Features more premium technology, such as larger touchscreens, available head-up displays, and more advanced safety systems on some trims.	Offers capable and practical technology, with features like a 10.5-inch touchscreen standard on many models.
Price and Value	Has a higher starting price, requires premium fuel, and comes with a higher cost of ownership.	Is more budget-friendly and a better value, with lower depreciation and better fuel efficiency.
Space	Generally has less cargo space and a tighter rear seat compared to the RAV4 due to its sportier design.	Offers more cargo space and a more spacious interior due to its taller and more utilitarian design.

Why is RX more expensive than NX?

Why is RX more expensive than NX? The RX commands a premium because of its greater size, more powerful engine options, additional luxury touches, and higher towing capacity compared to the NX.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.