We have owned a few generations of Rav4. No complaints. We recently bought a Lexus NX F-Sport in white and it turned a lot of heads. I don’t think I will ever go back to Toyota. It feels luxurious, looks nice and great reliability (something German cars can’t compete in this category)
Great Review Alex! I shopped both the 2020 NX and Rav hybrids and chose the 2020 Rav4 XSE hybrid because of the better gas mileage and preferred the way it looks. Averaging 41mpg over the past 6 months and no refueling issues at all. Keep up the awesome reviews
@@bvedant they will be built in both Canada and Japan. The Canadian plant that builds the RX and will also build the NX is in the top most awarded of all Lexus/Toyota plants in the world!
I like this Main St vs. Wall St concept. It gives you an idea as to whether it’s worth getting into a luxury brand over a well equipped mainstream brand.
New rav4 is very nice! Previous rav4 was way outdated and boring. I had a previous rav4 as car hire for a week while switching in between my NX200t with turbo, it’s not comparable, NX has way more power, much better interior, ride quality is superb.... I test drove the NX hybrid for 2min and left and got the turbo version, hybrid is just ultra boring
Let's not forget the 3 words written inside the drivers door jam on the NX only: "MADE IN JAPAN" not made in Kentucky...... I know which one i will buy!
@@LiquidSm0ke the Toyota V6 hybrids are not very efficient. Plus Toyota brings out new stuff for itself and not Lexus if that gives you an indication of where they are headed
I went from a Camry Hybrid to a Lexus ES Hybrid and it was more of an upgrade than I expected. The quality of materials is better and the overall feel is improved and again, there was more difference than I had expected. Of course right now the older design on the current NX is a disadvantage. If the price difference remains close to the same as you described it's a no-brainer for me. I would chose to wait for the new NX.
Alex, thank for an objective comparison. It seems more obvious that competition, who have been offering many features in there lower-end models, are squeezing Toyota into offering the same features, once saved for their luxury models, into their regular models.
The following is true for basically every luxury brand: unless you're getting the two highest trims of a given model, the are usually not much better than non-luxury cars optioned with their top trims. And top trim luxury cars, specially German brands, cost WAY too much.
When you do a side by side view it might be helpful to have a little mark of which side is which car. Would make it easier for the audience to keep track. Excellent review/comparison
Nice review/comparison, I do have a little issue with what you listed as the standard safety features, the 2020 NX has the full Toyota safety suit 2.0, which has everything you listed for the Rav, just recently bought my wife a 2020 NX F-sport.
getting my wife the rav4 limit for sure (gotta have those ventilated seats for Texas summer). check crash test especially side pole for both model and I think the benefits come with the new TNGA platform makes rav4 the no brainer.
My 2019 RAV4 hybrid regularly gets between 42-45 MPG (US gallons), and that's manually calculating distance travelled and gasoline dispensed. The trip computer is really accurate.
As a current Lexus driver, they really need an overhaul of their infotainment system. I feel they’ve been trying to compete with BMW too much and need to prioritize NVH which has suffered as wheels have gotten bigger, tires thinner, and belt lines higher.
People who buy a Lexus have mostly grown out of the "Boy Racer" phase. If you want a sporty car go for a German brand. If you want comfort and most of all reliability, go for the Lexus.
For the Lexus I love the RX, even the first generation RX I still like, but choosing between the NX and RAV4 Hybrid, I will take the RAV4. I an not willing to spend the extra $ for the Lexus NX name and the RAV4 Hybrid XSE trim is just very practical for my needs.
The Lexus is always going to be a generation behind, they wait for the technology to prove its reliability and longevity before using it in the Lexus range.
I've not driven either car but both are on my wish list for my next change, likely in 2021. I buy used cars around a year old with 10K miles driven or less. The NX used and Rav4 used that age and use are close on price - maybe the NX300H is £1000 or so more on the main dealer price. The jury is out until the lockdown ends and I am able to test drive both models! Its good to hear that Lexus can be serviced at Toyota dealerships, where there is one within 25 miles of my home, Lexus dealerships in are in cities further away....
The reason NX hybrid is so sluggish and worst fuel economy is because it’s approx 400ib heavier than previous gen RAV4. The NX is stiffer, quieter and solid feeling than the RAV4. I know because I own. Toyota says NX only shares 10-15% of parts with the RAV4.
I currently lease a 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited. It is probably the best all-around vehicle I have ever leased or owned. That being said, when the lease is up, it's going to come down to which dealership gives me the best deal, whether it's Toyota or Lexus. Both are excellent vehicles. I will also consider the Ford Escape Hybrid, since the hybrid system is similar to Toyota's. I would even consider the Honda Crv Hybrid, but I can't get past the lack of a spare tire, or room to even probably store one.
Sorry, meant to say properly store a spare tire. To me, fix-a-flat is a deal breaker for any vehicle. At the very least, in lieu of a spare tire, vehicles should come equipped with run-flat tires, even if it does add a bit of weight and probably does have a negligible effect on fuel mileage. On another note, the comparison review between these two vehicles was excellent.
It's surprisingly fast. I mean you're not going to win most races, but it gets up to speed seamlessly, especially when the hybrid battery has a good charge in it. I have never found it to be lacking in power.
The hybrid battery will recharge on a downhill stretch. You will see that on the infotainment screen ; it looks like a battery being recharged. Lead foot and hills notwithstanding, you'll still get excellent gas mileage, though it won't be quite what the EPA rating for this vehicle is.
Alex you work is absolutely outstanding, you practically cover and answer all the questions a potential buyer could have in mind and way beyond that. In my mind I love the Toyota features and fuel efficiency but I would go with the NX all day long because of the in cabin driving experience, ultimately you feel more eager to drive a car in which you feel more comfortable and visually attracted and since Lexus has the well known reliability it would be the ideal pick for me and absolutely sure about my wife as well, she loves premium stuff. I think is worth the extra cash paid and probably that technology will be available on the next NX versions. Awesome work once again, keep it up.
I wish I could find more videos on my beloved 2nd Gen. 2009 Lexus RX350 AWD... Comparisons, Off Road... etc.. etc... For it being such a popular car, there really aren't many videos about them.
Great comparison review of these near matched vehicles Alex, THANKS. Did you ever wish you'd gone with the Lexus after deciding to purchase the to RAV4? Power passenger seats is hard option to find these days, I've noticed..
The only thing the NX does better is having the fog lamps actually close to the ground, something most vehicles these days completely miss out on. That infotainment though, I would rather have none and just traditional radio lmao. Lexus needs to do a complete infotainment system redesign across the brand for like 2021/2022 and just update the interior of every model to the new one, regardless of its current stand (unless its getting a total redesign in 2023).
Great video, very interesting : I love the fact that you compare non premium and premium models, usually journalists don't do that ! I really don't understand that Toyota gives the priority of its new powertain to the RAV4 vs NX, usually a car company gives the best and latest tech to its premium brand... As a Lexus NX owner, I've seen the RAV4 and there's no way I would buy it though, it's cheaper, yes, but it just looks cheaper too, and i don't like the rough (truck-like) style of the RAV4. I can't wait to see what Lexus will cook for the NX 2. BTW the European version of the NX has a much nicer front design.
One would have to be a fly on the wall in meetings of decision makers at Toyota to know the answer but I suspect that Toyota may have seen the chance to trounce the competition in the huge compact crossover market and establish sales leadership that will be extremely difficult for any competitor to match in the next few years. And it seems to have been successful, at least so far. The first quarter of 2020 was a sales disaster for the entire automotive industry. Actual sales were down 800,000 units compared to estimates at the beginning of the calendar year. Even in the highly competitive and marketplace leading mainstream compact crossover category overall sales were down 14% compared to the 2019 first quarter. But even with the near disappearance of vehicle sales when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US in March, Toyota sold almost 100,000 RAV4's, UP16% (!) over the first quarter in 2019. In fact, only two of 42 compact crossovers had improved sales in the first three months of 2020. The RAV4 led the pack and the KIA Sportage increased its sales by 4%. Every other vehicle in the category had reduced sales. The NX undoubtedly generates a greater profit per unit sold than the RAV4 but while Toyota sold over 97,000 RAV4's in the first quarter, Lexus managed to move a few more than 11,000 NX's, a figure that was down 18% compared to the year before. The margin on each RAV4 is less than the NX but total profit dwarfs the Lexus. And as Toyota has demonstrated time and again, they like profit.
Toyota focused on updating the RAV4 first because they sell 10x the RAV4 vs the NX. Also, the RAV4 category is extremely competitive, and every advantage is needed to keep selling 400k units a year.
The RAV4 is definitely the one to go for based on looks alone; can't wait for that gaping grill/overstyled headlamps design language to be phased out of Lexus!
THX ALEX, I'm just asking myself exactly this question!! Esp when considering used models. Rav4 hybrid is so popular it's scarce. So I'm finding same mileage used versions or 2019 rav4 vs 2017 or 2018 nx hybrids are the same price tag. For me, switching from a gas guzzling Mazda CX9 the lexus is looking like the better deal and there are so many more to choose from! I am leaning toward Lexus for the better build and comfort and longer warranty (even though the mileage can't match the newer Rav4). Next car will likely be a Tesla so hybrid is a 3 year bridge to full EV either way.
I considered getting the NX. When I saw a comparison chart between the RAV4 and NX, it was a no brainer but to go with the RAV4. It doesn't make sense to get into a luxury vehicle (NX) that is a generation behind in the hybrid system. It should be the other way around. No need to go further. The RAV4 is faster and gets better mileage. My RAV4 hybrid, after fill up, gives a range of over 550 miles. I had a 2018 Lexus ES350 and I had to use this mouse to navigate around the infotainment system. It was terrible. I can't imagine that he touchpad in the NX is much better. Whenever you see some sort of hatchback vehicle with a slopping back, you will lose some carrying capacity. It may look cool but it does take away carrying capacity.
It's NOT a Nike swoosh. I can't believe people don't get it. It's an "L" for "Lexus". It's all over the car. They say it in all their literature. IT'S AN L FOR LEXUS PEOPLE, IT'S NOT THAT DIFFICULT A CONCEPT TO UNDERSTAND. Why would Lexus use a Nike swoosh?
I luv my NX300H I don’t think I would ever going back to drive Toyota. The car is so quiet luxury feel softer bump… the door feels better than Toyota. Less boot space so what. I m not going to carry a lot of things in my NX it’s meant to be a luxury car. Anyway hands down my take is NX the new generation is definitely better
When you do split screen comparison, if you can indicate which one is which model, that would be super helpful for people like me that are new to cars. Thank you!!
The Rav4 hybrid top trim is better than the current NX 300h since it has a newer generation powertrain & neat features you don't get on the older NX. The best NX is actually the NX 300 with the 2.0T engine which is far more powerful than whatever the Rav4 has left behind with the V6 long ago. If you really like Lexus, wait for the MY2021 NX which will be fully redesigned.
Even after watching many tests, no one mentioned the very, very disturbing phenomenon in the rav4. At higher speeds, the wind makes a lot of noise because of the rear-view mirrors. It always bothers me.
It's been apparent for some time that the NX is an also ran in the luxury compact crossover segment. For Toyota that's embarrassing enough. Even worse is that it's an also ran compared to Toyota's own RAV4.
Stephen Hendricks.....I was thinking exactly the same thing! Honestly, except for the UX, all of Lexus' suv's are severely old/compromised compared to their competition. I'd never buy one!
If you are buying a hybrid, you are probably interested in fuel economy. So that makes the decision easy - Rav4 all the way. I also suspect the NX is due for a model overhaul, so your new purchase could be seriously eclipsed by a just-slightly later model. However for me the real question is the availability of the Rav4 Prime. I had never considered a plug-in CUV but with over 300hp? Impossible to ignore. So can I wait another year (the internal release date for the Prime in the USA is probably May 2021)? Not sure!
We have owned a few generations of Rav4. No complaints. We recently bought a Lexus NX F-Sport in white and it turned a lot of heads. I don’t think I will ever go back to Toyota. It feels luxurious, looks nice and great reliability (something German cars can’t compete in this category)
Yes, Lexus is more near-luxury vs Germans.
@@normt5463 Lexus is luxury, period.
@@kCI251 Lexus is short on product today as premium brands move up where Lexus is today. Lexus doesn't compete with other luxury auto companies today.
Great Review Alex! I shopped both the 2020 NX and Rav hybrids and chose the 2020 Rav4 XSE hybrid because of the better gas mileage and preferred the way it looks. Averaging 41mpg over the past
6 months and no refueling issues at all.
Keep up the awesome reviews
My mind is saying RAV4, but my heart is saying NX.
Haha I’m in the same situation
Then the Easy CORRECT Answer is the Wonderful 2021 Toyota Venza (LE or XLE or Limited). Easy Peasy.
Dude .... same
Same here....
my heart is saying Mercedes GLC😂
Your reviews are the best I've seen on TH-cam. The split screen comparisons are great! thanks
Really like the side by side interior portion of the video. Great work!
So sorry to hear about the divorced headlamps, time heals all
They need tome apart to do some soul-searching
It's the kids, e.g. the fog lights, that always end up suffering the most.
lol
Yes it's true time wounds all heels. Just asked a Achilles
Seems like more and more headlamps end up as a statistic. I’ve read that over 50% of all Lexus designed headlamps, end up being divorced.
I have 2020 RAV4 and get 44mpg! Very pleased with my car. If you want the Lexus I would wait for a new version.
Agreed.
RAV4 Hybrid 2019 ALL DAY! Unbelievable Gas Mileage! 10,000KM and very happy so far!
Can't wait for the NX redesign. Hope it gets close to the Rav4 Hybrid mpg.
They should just skip straight to the new plug-in architecture. 300hp in a sleek AWD Lexus package seems quite appealing.
They're going to be built in Canada instead of Japan though
@@bvedant just like the RX. built in canada is a good thing.
@@bvedant they will be built in both Canada and Japan. The Canadian plant that builds the RX and will also build the NX is in the top most awarded of all Lexus/Toyota plants in the world!
@@davedave2109 "Most awarded"? For what?
I really love that NX. It honestly looks gorgeous to me
I like this Main St vs. Wall St concept. It gives you an idea as to whether it’s worth getting into a luxury brand over a well equipped mainstream brand.
Lexus is underwhelming and overrated beside top vehicles
Great video. I bought the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. I was surprised that Toyota updated the RAV4 before the NX. It is hard to justify the NX.
NX is next year, the previous rav was out for 6 years as well.
New rav4 is very nice! Previous rav4 was way outdated and boring. I had a previous rav4 as car hire for a week while switching in between my NX200t with turbo, it’s not comparable, NX has way more power, much better interior, ride quality is superb.... I test drove the NX hybrid for 2min and left and got the turbo version, hybrid is just ultra boring
@@Ilikepie18855 I like pie, too! Enjoy your NX200t!
Excellent comparison. I used to have an NX, now I drive an RX. I am contemplating buying a Rav4 as the second car. It was very informative. Thanks!
Answer: NO ITS NOT WORTH IT. Get the Toyota and get the Mpg of a Honda Civic in an suv
Let's not forget the 3 words written inside the drivers door jam on the NX only:
"MADE IN JAPAN" not made in Kentucky...... I know which one i will buy!
that would be my deciding factor. Although there are some Rav4s made in Japan
Here’s my take
Rav4 over regular NX
NX F sport over the rav4.
If the NX didn't have that outdated hybrid system and the touchpad I would have gone Lexus but nope.
Jeanejean how about the Lexus RX hybrid
@@LiquidSm0ke the Toyota V6 hybrids are not very efficient. Plus Toyota brings out new stuff for itself and not Lexus if that gives you an indication of where they are headed
The two best Hybrid SUVs in the market today! Great review as always Alex.
Nope MDX SPORT HYBRID
I hadn't considered the RAV4 until this video. Thanks!! I think it lost me at no leather tho
Love this dual screen presentation. Alex is the best,
I went from a Camry Hybrid to a Lexus ES Hybrid and it was more of an upgrade than I expected. The quality of materials is better and the overall feel is improved and again, there was more difference than I had expected. Of course right now the older design on the current NX is a disadvantage. If the price difference remains close to the same as you described it's a no-brainer for me. I would chose to wait for the new NX.
Alex, thank for an objective comparison. It seems more obvious that competition, who have been offering many features in there lower-end models, are squeezing Toyota into offering the same features, once saved for their luxury models, into their regular models.
The following is true for basically every luxury brand: unless you're getting the two highest trims of a given model, the are usually not much better than non-luxury cars optioned with their top trims. And top trim luxury cars, specially German brands, cost WAY too much.
You get what you pay for?
I love the way you do your videos. They are to the point and very informative and easy to understand. Well done.
NX if you’re a music lover. I’d also wait for serious offers when the new model shows up. They are already well discounted in Europe
I think both are grate but having been in both the Lexus IS by far more sturdy and solid. Much better quality and the rav is no slouch
Great snacks at the Lexus dealer..Buy the Lexus get it serviced at the Toyota dealerships. Learned that with my LS430..
I just acquired mine today and listening to your comments I will be returning it for an RX450 premium to get the best.
When RAV4 came out, all the reviewers complained about engine noise. But Alex said it was only 1 Db louder than the Lexus. Interesting.
RAV4 for the win. And awesome 1v1 review, Alex 😁🙏🏻🙏🏻
I like the boxy RAV4, just like I also prefer the Telluride over the Palisade of the Korean twins.
When you do a side by side view it might be helpful to have a little mark of which side is which car. Would make it easier for the audience to keep track. Excellent review/comparison
It says on top which one is which
Nice review/comparison, I do have a little issue with what you listed as the standard safety features, the 2020 NX has the full Toyota safety suit 2.0, which has everything you listed for the Rav, just recently bought my wife a 2020 NX F-sport.
getting my wife the rav4 limit for sure (gotta have those ventilated seats for Texas summer). check crash test especially side pole for both model and I think the benefits come with the new TNGA platform makes rav4 the no brainer.
Please do a comparison on the 2020 rav 4 limited, 2020 Lexus rx350 and the 2020 Lexus NX 300 Please ...I need to choose one by the end of the year.
My 2019 RAV4 hybrid regularly gets between 42-45 MPG (US gallons), and that's manually calculating distance travelled and gasoline dispensed. The trip computer is really accurate.
If you drive a car you just to go from A to B get the RAV4, if you are looking for emotions also Lexus NX is still the one...
Best comparison I have been watching so far
FYI you can get smart key entry on all doors in the rav4. It’s offered in the limited trim via the advanced technology pacakge
As a current Lexus driver, they really need an overhaul of their infotainment system. I feel they’ve been trying to compete with BMW too much and need to prioritize NVH which has suffered as wheels have gotten bigger, tires thinner, and belt lines higher.
People who buy a Lexus have mostly grown out of the "Boy Racer" phase.
If you want a sporty car go for a German brand. If you want comfort and
most of all reliability, go for the Lexus.
For the Lexus I love the RX, even the first generation RX I still like, but choosing between the NX and RAV4 Hybrid, I will take the RAV4. I an not willing to spend the extra $ for the Lexus NX name and the RAV4 Hybrid XSE trim is just very practical for my needs.
XSE is better looking
You are an amazing reviewer honest to god
We need to wait to the NX 2022 ~ my humble opinion !
For now I would have the Rav4. In the meantime I wonder what a newly redesigned NX will be like?
To much high tech makes unreliable
Suggestion, updated video to the Rav4 Hybrid 2022 vs 2022 NX. Great videos!
Until they update the NX to have the same mpg as the hybrid Rav the NX is pointless, especially with NX’s horrendous infotainment controls.
Honda does the same with Acura...Infiniti too. Back seat for their luxury brands
The Lexus is always going to be a generation behind, they wait for the technology to prove its reliability and longevity before using it in the Lexus range.
Thank you for this wonderful,most detailed review of these two vehicles.You are making me love my rav 4 the more.One of the best review👍
A redesign is coming to the NX for 2021 . Should have new hybrid system along with Android auto.
Will the new Lexus be on the TNGA platform?
@@wyw201 yes. It should be . And it will be alot roomier than previous generation.
@@wyw201 it should release by end of year. With a reveal at the auto show.
@@scaldon2 do you mean end 2020 for the reveal ?
@@Kellric7 Maybe depending on coronavirus situation
I've not driven either car but both are on my wish list for my next change, likely in 2021. I buy used cars around a year old with 10K miles driven or less. The NX used and Rav4 used that age and use are close on price - maybe the NX300H is £1000 or so more on the main dealer price. The jury is out until the lockdown ends and I am able to test drive both models! Its good to hear that Lexus can be serviced at Toyota dealerships, where there is one within 25 miles of my home, Lexus dealerships in are in cities further away....
If the 11th digit of your VIN is a C, it was built on the exact same assembly line as the RAV4, in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
Better off with the RAV4 in this case
between the two the rav4 because it looks much better, cargo space and mpg.
This is a great comparison, Alex.
oh..something important...the hat on the lights on the lexus is great..because light focus tend to go yellow with years..this protect.
The reason NX hybrid is so sluggish and worst fuel economy is because it’s approx 400ib heavier than previous gen RAV4. The NX is stiffer, quieter and solid feeling than the RAV4. I know because I own. Toyota says NX only shares 10-15% of parts with the RAV4.
What’s the sound deadening cost？ that’s one thing I would appreciate... in any car.
My brother bought his 3rd Avalon vs Lexus. Save $18,000 so far.
I've watched other videos, this side by side is soooo helpful.
I’d buy the rav4 XSE before the Lexus. I think it looks better
Brenton Welty agreed i bought my xse and will trade it in for the new redesigned NX next yr.
Lexus grill is got awful ugly and getting old
The Lexus looks like an angry egg or bird lol
I currently lease a 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid Limited. It is probably the best all-around vehicle I have ever leased or owned. That being said, when the lease is up, it's going to come down to which dealership gives me the best deal, whether it's Toyota or Lexus. Both are excellent vehicles. I will also consider the Ford Escape Hybrid, since the hybrid system is similar to Toyota's. I would even consider the Honda Crv Hybrid, but I can't get past the lack of a spare tire, or room to even probably store one.
Sorry, meant to say properly store a spare tire. To me, fix-a-flat is a deal breaker for any vehicle. At the very least, in lieu of a spare tire, vehicles should come equipped with run-flat tires, even if it does add a bit of weight and probably does have a negligible effect on fuel mileage. On another note, the comparison review between these two vehicles was excellent.
It's surprisingly fast. I mean you're not going to win most races, but it gets up to speed seamlessly, especially when the hybrid battery has a good charge in it. I have never found it to be lacking in power.
The hybrid battery will recharge on a downhill stretch. You will see that on the infotainment screen ; it looks like a battery being recharged. Lead foot and hills notwithstanding, you'll still get excellent gas mileage, though it won't be quite what the EPA rating for this vehicle is.
Alex you work is absolutely outstanding, you practically cover and answer all the questions a potential buyer could have in mind and way beyond that. In my mind I love the Toyota features and fuel efficiency but I would go with the NX all day long because of the in cabin driving experience, ultimately you feel more eager to drive a car in which you feel more comfortable and visually attracted and since Lexus has the well known reliability it would be the ideal pick for me and absolutely sure about my wife as well, she loves premium stuff. I think is worth the extra cash paid and probably that technology will be available on the next NX versions. Awesome work once again, keep it up.
Excellent video and side by side breakdown!
1:25 it’s about time you were surprised by this .
As the owner of both, I can tell you Lexus is much more premium than Rav4.
Jacky Yuan which one is more spacious?
Cool. I have to say from the exterior the RAV4 looks better.
Alex have you had issues with the gas tank as described in the class action lawsuit?
I wish I could find more videos on my beloved 2nd Gen. 2009 Lexus RX350 AWD... Comparisons, Off Road... etc.. etc... For it being such a popular car, there really aren't many videos about them.
My mom really enjoys her NX. She hates driving big cars and she said the NX is the perfect size for her.
Great comparison review of these near matched vehicles Alex, THANKS. Did you ever wish you'd gone with the Lexus after deciding to purchase the to RAV4? Power passenger seats is hard option to find these days, I've noticed..
The only thing the NX does better is having the fog lamps actually close to the ground, something most vehicles these days completely miss out on. That infotainment though, I would rather have none and just traditional radio lmao. Lexus needs to do a complete infotainment system redesign across the brand for like 2021/2022 and just update the interior of every model to the new one, regardless of its current stand (unless its getting a total redesign in 2023).
Great video, very interesting : I love the fact that you compare non premium and premium models, usually journalists don't do that ! I really don't understand that Toyota gives the priority of its new powertain to the RAV4 vs NX, usually a car company gives the best and latest tech to its premium brand... As a Lexus NX owner, I've seen the RAV4 and there's no way I would buy it though, it's cheaper, yes, but it just looks cheaper too, and i don't like the rough (truck-like) style of the RAV4. I can't wait to see what Lexus will cook for the NX 2. BTW the European version of the NX has a much nicer front design.
One would have to be a fly on the wall in meetings of decision makers at Toyota to know the answer but I suspect that Toyota may have seen the chance to trounce the competition in the huge compact crossover market and establish sales leadership that will be extremely difficult for any competitor to match in the next few years. And it seems to have been successful, at least so far.
The first quarter of 2020 was a sales disaster for the entire automotive industry. Actual sales were down 800,000 units compared to estimates at the beginning of the calendar year. Even in the highly competitive and marketplace leading mainstream compact crossover category overall sales were down 14% compared to the 2019 first quarter. But even with the near disappearance of vehicle sales when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US in March, Toyota sold almost 100,000 RAV4's, UP16% (!) over the first quarter in 2019. In fact, only two of 42 compact crossovers had improved sales in the first three months of 2020. The RAV4 led the pack and the KIA Sportage increased its sales by 4%. Every other vehicle in the category had reduced sales.
The NX undoubtedly generates a greater profit per unit sold than the RAV4 but while Toyota sold over 97,000 RAV4's in the first quarter, Lexus managed to move a few more than 11,000 NX's, a figure that was down 18% compared to the year before. The margin on each RAV4 is less than the NX but total profit dwarfs the Lexus. And as Toyota has demonstrated time and again, they like profit.
Toyota focused on updating the RAV4 first because they sell 10x the RAV4 vs the NX. Also, the RAV4 category is extremely competitive, and every advantage is needed to keep selling 400k units a year.
RAV4 XSE is sexier
Very nice comparison. I especially like the data comparison shared on the screen. Thank you, Alex.
The RAV4 is definitely the one to go for based on looks alone; can't wait for that gaping grill/overstyled headlamps design language to be phased out of Lexus!
The smaller size of the Lexus is an advantage for me because I live in a country where the parking spaces and roads are tight.
THX ALEX, I'm just asking myself exactly this question!!
Esp when considering used models. Rav4 hybrid is so popular it's scarce. So I'm finding same mileage used versions or 2019 rav4 vs 2017 or 2018 nx hybrids are the same price tag. For me, switching from a gas guzzling Mazda CX9 the lexus is looking like the better deal and there are so many more to choose from! I am leaning toward Lexus for the better build and comfort and longer warranty (even though the mileage can't match the newer Rav4). Next car will likely be a Tesla so hybrid is a 3 year bridge to full EV either way.
Mazda CX9 is similar to Lexus RX450HL. Can't really compare against Lexus NX
I hope an NX redesign comes soon
Decided for the Rav4 thanks to this. Great review!
Thank you for such detailed review! I m considering these 2 cars ! After finding out NX300h.is a 2018 RAV4 engine; I m hesitant to move forward😬
The NX needs a redesign. As well as its infotainment.
Then the Easy CORRECT Answer is the Wonderful 2021 Toyota Venza (LE or XLE or Limited). Easy Peasy.
Thanks, I was looking for a used rav4 or nx300h but i definitely want the newer hybrid system so ill be looking for a rav4
As an owner of NX '20 I say go for RAV4 all the way.
I considered getting the NX. When I saw a comparison chart between the RAV4 and NX, it was a no brainer but to go with the RAV4.
It doesn't make sense to get into a luxury vehicle (NX) that is a generation behind in the hybrid system. It should be the other way around. No need to go further. The RAV4 is faster and gets better mileage.
My RAV4 hybrid, after fill up, gives a range of over 550 miles.
I had a 2018 Lexus ES350 and I had to use this mouse to navigate around the infotainment system. It was terrible. I can't imagine that he touchpad in the NX is much better.
Whenever you see some sort of hatchback vehicle with a slopping back, you will lose some carrying capacity. It may look cool but it does take away carrying capacity.
hi, in which car the suspension is softer Lexus ES or Rav4 ?
"Nike Swoosh" lol I was trying to figure it out myself on the lexus!
It's NOT a Nike swoosh. I can't believe people don't get it. It's an "L" for "Lexus". It's all over the car. They say it in all their literature. IT'S AN L FOR LEXUS PEOPLE, IT'S NOT THAT DIFFICULT A CONCEPT TO UNDERSTAND. Why would Lexus use a Nike swoosh?
Both very nice cars.. But I would pick the RAV4 non-hybrid version.
Y the non hybrid?
@@charm2232 The costs when they breakdown is much higher for hybrids as they are more complex.
I luv my NX300H I don’t think I would ever going back to drive Toyota. The car is so quiet luxury feel softer bump… the door feels better than Toyota. Less boot space so what. I m not going to carry a lot of things in my NX it’s meant to be a luxury car. Anyway hands down my take is NX the new generation is definitely better
Thanks for the detailed comparison review
Well done, awesome review Subed 🔥🔥🔥
I’ll go for Toyota because Lexus repairs are more costly, but both are reliable.
I stay with Lexus road drive is important, space in the boot it not a problem when you can use a pick up to carry more 😜
was flawless reporting. thank you!
When you do split screen comparison, if you can indicate which one is which model, that would be super helpful for people like me that are new to cars. Thank you!!
It would be great to see an updated review with the new model NX
Thank you for a thorough review!
Rav4 wins no brainer!
The Rav4 hybrid top trim is better than the current NX 300h since it has a newer generation powertrain & neat features you don't get on the older NX. The best NX is actually the NX 300 with the 2.0T engine which is far more powerful than whatever the Rav4 has left behind with the V6 long ago.
If you really like Lexus, wait for the MY2021 NX which will be fully redesigned.
Very professional comparsion, thanks bro.
Even after watching many tests, no one mentioned the very, very disturbing phenomenon in the rav4. At higher speeds, the wind makes a lot of noise because of the rear-view mirrors. It always bothers me.
It's been apparent for some time that the NX is an also ran in the luxury compact crossover segment. For Toyota that's embarrassing enough. Even worse is that it's an also ran compared to Toyota's own RAV4.
Stephen Hendricks.....I was thinking exactly the same thing! Honestly, except for the UX, all of Lexus' suv's are severely old/compromised compared to their competition. I'd never buy one!
However it still sells well due to Lexus name and naive ppl due to marketing
If you are buying a hybrid, you are probably interested in fuel economy. So that makes the decision easy - Rav4 all the way. I also suspect the NX is due for a model overhaul, so your new purchase could be seriously eclipsed by a just-slightly later model. However for me the real question is the availability of the Rav4 Prime. I had never considered a plug-in CUV but with over 300hp? Impossible to ignore. So can I wait another year (the internal release date for the Prime in the USA is probably May 2021)? Not sure!