2025 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Lexus NX

$30,100 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between solid value and premium feel often boils down to budget versus brand cachet, especially in the compact crossover segment. The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at a very accessible $30,100, undercutting the 2026 Lexus NX by a significant $14,075. The CR-V delivers a respectable 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded, while the NX boasts superior efficiency at 40 MPG combined, though it asks for premium fuel. Power output also separates them; the CR-V offers 190 hp, whereas the NX delivers an extra 50 hp for a total of 240 hp. While the CR-V provides more hauling space with 39.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft, the overall package requires buyers to weigh substantial cost savings against luxury amenities and higher performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $30,100 and superior city MPG rating of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Honda CR-V

Families will appreciate the CR-V's practicality, offering substantially more cargo space at 39.3 cu ft versus the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

Enthusiasts lean toward the Lexus NX because it provides a higher output of 240 horsepower compared to the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers much better monetary value, primarily reflected in the $14,075 lower starting price.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You need to keep your initial purchase price down, as the CR-V starts at $30,100.
Maximum cargo utility is crucial, given its 39.3 cu ft capacity.
You prioritize lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You want more immediate power and acceleration from the 240 hp engine.
Superior fuel economy, achieving 40 MPG combined, is a top priority.
You desire the premium feel and features associated with the Lexus brand, despite the higher $44,175 MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Lexus NX
Length	184.8"	183.5"
Width	73.5"	73.4"
Height	66.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	106.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	—
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/476.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	10
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/65R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2026 Lexus NX.

How much more fuel efficient is the 2026 Lexus NX than the 2025 Honda CR-V?

The Lexus NX is notably more efficient, achieving 40 MPG combined, which is 10 MPG better than the Honda CR-V’s combined rating of 30 MPG. However, remember the NX recommends premium fuel while the CR-V uses regular unleaded.

Is the significantly higher price of the Lexus NX justified by its size compared to the CR-V?

No, the NX is slightly smaller in every dimension and offers substantially less cargo room (22.7 cu ft vs. 39.3 cu ft). The $14,075 price difference is purely for luxury refinement and performance, not for increased practicality or physical space.

Which vehicle is better for long highway commutes based on fuel economy?

The Lexus NX is better for long highway hauls due to its 42 MPG highway rating, beating the CR-V’s 34 MPG highway figure. This 8 MPG difference on the highway could save considerable time at the pump.

Can the Honda CR-V keep up with the Lexus NX in terms of acceleration?

The CR-V, with 190 hp, will feel less quick than the NX, which boasts 240 hp—a 50 hp advantage. For drivers needing more responsive passing power, the NX is the clear choice.

Do both vehicles offer the same drivetrain configuration?

Both the base models listed utilize a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. The key mechanical difference lies in their engine tuning and resulting power output.