2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Lexus RX

$40,150 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a utilitarian pickup feel and luxury efficiency is a classic dilemma for modern drivers. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline, starting at $40,150, leans into capability with 280 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), making it ready for lighter hauling tasks while managing a 21 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus RX, priced higher at $49,725, prioritizes refinement and efficiency, offering 317 lb-ft of torque but achieving a superior 25 MPG combined, though it recommends premium fuel. A significant difference lies in utility: the Ridgeline is over 7.7 inches longer overall than the RX, but the Lexus boasts nearly four times the standard cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft in their respective rear areas. This comparison boils down to prioritizing upfront cost and AWD flexibility (Ridgeline) against premium efficiency and superior interior storage (RX).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX wins for commuting due to its superior 25 MPG combined fuel economy, saving money over the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus RX

Families will prefer the Lexus RX due to its substantially larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

Enthusiasts focused on on-road feel will appreciate the Lexus RX's higher 317 lb-ft of torque, despite the Ridgeline offering standard AWD.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline offers better initial value with a $9,575 lower MSRP and standard AWD capability.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the box for $40,150.
Your primary goal is saving nearly $10,000 on the initial purchase price compared to the Lexus.
You prefer using cheaper regular unleaded fuel rather than premium required by the RX.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Superior cargo hauling is essential, as the RX offers 29.6 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
Maximizing fuel economy is key, given the RX's 25 MPG combined efficiency rating.
You desire higher torque output (317 lb-ft) for quicker acceleration feel in a premium package.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Lexus RX
Length	210.2"	192.5"
Width	78.6"	75.6"
Height	70.8"	67.3"
Wheelbase	125.2"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	12
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Lexus RX.

Which vehicle is significantly more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Lexus RX is notably more efficient, achieving 25 MPG combined (22 City/29 Highway). The 2025 Honda Ridgeline manages only 21 MPG combined (18 City/24 Highway).

How does the cargo space compare between the Ridgeline and the RX?

The difference is vast; the Lexus RX offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Honda Ridgeline provides only 7.3 cubic feet, making the RX far more practical for large grocery runs or luggage.

Is the Ridgeline's lower price tag ($40,150) worth sacrificing the Lexus RX's features?

The Ridgeline saves you $9,575 upfront and comes standard with AWD, which is a strong value proposition if you don't mind the lower horsepower (280 hp vs. the RX's 275 hp, though the RX has more torque).

Which vehicle offers better power delivery metrics?

While the Ridgeline has slightly more horsepower at 280 hp, the 2026 Lexus RX delivers significantly more low-end pulling power with 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Ridgeline's 262 lb-ft.

Does the drivetrain difference matter for weather conditions?

Yes; the 2025 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the standard 2026 Lexus RX model listed utilizes Front Wheel Drive, making the Honda potentially better for moderate slippery conditions.

Are there major differences in required fuel types?

The Honda Ridgeline is designed for regular unleaded gasoline, while the 2026 Lexus RX recommends the use of premium unleaded fuel, adding to its running costs.