2025 Lexus NX vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the nimble 2025 Lexus NX and the rugged 2025 Toyota 4Runner often boils down to prioritizing efficiency and refinement over outright capability. If your daily drive involves tight city streets and you watch fuel expenses, the NX shines with a superior 28 MPG combined rating compared to the 4Runner's 22 MPG combined. While the 4Runner offers significantly more muscle—boasting 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque against the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft—that power comes at a cost to efficiency. For families needing serious storage, the 4Runner delivers nearly double the space with 48.4 cu ft of cargo volume versus the NX's 22.7 cu ft. Though the Lexus has a slightly lower MSRP starting at $40,965 compared to the 4Runner's $41,270, the overall running costs heavily favor the more efficient crossover, making the choice a clear trade-off between utility and economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX is the clear choice for commuting due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is superior for families needing space, offering a massive 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to just 22.7 cu ft in the NX.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Toyota 4Runner for its substantial advantage in power, delivering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX provides better long-term value by consuming less fuel, offsetting its slightly lower starting price advantage.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- You prioritize lower running costs and an excellent 33 MPG highway fuel economy.
- You prefer a smaller footprint for easier urban parking, given its 183.5-inch length.
- You want a slightly lower initial investment, with an MSRP of $40,965.
Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...
- You frequently haul large gear or require substantial storage, benefiting from 48.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need more assertive power for towing or steep inclines, thanks to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a taller, more imposing vehicle stature, indicated by its 72.6-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 72.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 278 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 317 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 | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 380.0/494.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 19.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P245/70R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2025 Toyota 4Runner.
How much better is the fuel efficiency between the Lexus NX and the Toyota 4Runner?
The 2025 Lexus NX holds a significant advantage with a combined MPG of 28, while the 2025 Toyota 4Runner achieves only 22 MPG combined. This results in a 6 MPG difference favoring the more efficient Lexus crossover for daily driving.
Is the power difference between these two vehicles noticeable in everyday driving?
Yes, the difference is quite significant; the 4Runner generates 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is 75 hp more than the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This means the 4Runner will feel much punchier when accelerating onto highways.
Which vehicle is better suited for hauling luggage or outdoor equipment?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is vastly superior for cargo, offering 48.4 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Lexus NX is quite limited by comparison, providing only 22.7 cubic feet.
Are there any price differences affecting the initial purchase?
The starting MSRPs are very close, but the Lexus NX is slightly less expensive at $40,965 compared to the 4Runner's $41,270. However, the running costs related to fuel will quickly narrow or reverse this initial savings difference.
Do the driving dynamics differ based on their size specifications?
Absolutely; the 4Runner is notably larger, measuring 194.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, lending it a more traditional SUV stance. The NX is the more compact option at 183.5 inches long, making the Lexus easier to maneuver and park.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2025 Toyota 4Runner use regular unleaded fuel, keeping refueling costs predictable for both models.
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