2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the refined efficiency of the 2025 Lexus NX and the rugged utility of the 2026 Honda Ridgeline presents a real dilemma for buyers needing daily transportation. If you prioritize stretching every dollar at the pump, the Lexus NX wins easily, achieving a 28 combined MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 combined MPG—a significant 7 MPG difference favoring the crossover. However, if sheer get-up-and-go matters more, the Ridgeline offers a commanding 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. While the Lexus is significantly smaller at 183.5 inches long, the truck-based Ridgeline spans 210.2 inches, making parking easier in the compact NX. Buyers must weigh the NX's better fuel economy against the Ridgeline's superior power figures for their specific needs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX is the superior choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 28 combined MPG.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
Although smaller inside (relative to its large footprint), the 2026 Honda Ridgeline's larger size and AWD system offer better perceived security and utility for family hauling.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline clearly wins on performance thanks to its 77 more horsepower (280 hp vs. 203 hp).
2025 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX offers significantly better long-term running costs due to its 7 MPG efficiency advantage over the Ridgeline, despite a slightly higher initial MSRP.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel stops, thanks to its 33 highway MPG rating.
- You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable package measuring only 183.5 inches in length.
- You want standard FWD efficiency and don't need the complexity or fuel burn of standard AWD.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You absolutely need the extra muscle, boasting 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- You require AWD capability paired with a truly versatile truck bed, even if the cargo capacity is only 7.3 cu ft.
- You regularly carry taller items, as its 70.8-inch height provides better vertical clearance.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 210.2" |
| Width | 73.4" | 78.6" |
| Height | 66.1" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 125.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 19.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 215W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.
Why is the MPG difference so significant between the two vehicles?
The difference stems mainly from design philosophy; the Lexus NX prioritizes efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG. Conversely, the Ridgeline offers much more power (280 hp vs. 203 hp) and standard AWD, pushing its fuel economy down to 21 combined MPG.
Is the Honda Ridgeline considered a true truck compared to the Lexus NX crossover?
While both are classified as crossovers/utility vehicles here, the Ridgeline has a true open bed derived from a truck platform, whereas the Lexus NX is a traditional enclosed SUV shape with 22.7 cu ft of cargo space.
Which vehicle is easier to park in tight city spots?
The 2025 Lexus NX is substantially smaller overall, measuring 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is over 26 inches longer, making the NX much better suited for urban parking scenarios.
If I do a lot of highway driving, which vehicle provides the better experience?
For highway cruising efficiency, the Lexus NX is the clear winner with a 33 MPG highway rating versus the Ridgeline’s 24 MPG. However, the Ridgeline’s 280 hp might make highway merging feel more effortless.
Do both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, helping keep operational costs predictable.
How much more torque does the Ridgeline have than the NX?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline produces 262 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly more than the 184 lb-ft offered by the 2025 Lexus NX, resulting in better pulling power.
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