2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

$40,965 · Crossover

$40,075 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The choice between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid boils down to prioritizing traditional luxury smoothness versus modern hybrid efficiency and utility. If you’re constantly looking at the pump, the Tucson Hybrid is the clear winner, netting a combined 35 MPG compared to the NX's 28 MPG, saving serious money over the year. The Lexus counters with slightly more conventional dimensions at 183.5 inches long versus the Hyundai's 182.7 inches, though the practical difference is negligible. However, power delivery differs greatly: the Tucson boasts 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft. Furthermore, families will appreciate the Tucson’s cavernous 31.9 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the NX's 22.7 cu ft. While the Lexus starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $40,965 versus the Hyundai's $40,075, the decision hinges on whether the upfront cost difference is worth the long-term fuel savings and power deficit of the Lexus.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson offers substantially more utility with 31.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, much larger than the NX's 22.7 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson delivers significantly more driving engagement with 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid

The Tucson provides better power, much better fuel efficiency, and more space for a slightly lower starting price of $40,075.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You prefer the established reputation and feel of a traditional luxury brand like Lexus.
You value the slight edge in highway cruising efficiency with 33 MPG highway versus the Tucson's 35 MPG overall.
You want a marginally wider vehicle structure at 73.4 inches for a broader stance.

Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...

You want to save significantly on fuel costs, leveraging its 35 MPG combined rating.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the excellent 31.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire quicker acceleration provided by its 268 hp engine.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus NX	Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Length	183.5"	182.7"
Width	73.4"	73.4"
Height	66.1"	66.3"
Wheelbase	105.9"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	203 hp @ 6600 rpm	268 hp
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	271 lb-ft
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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/478.5 mi.	388.5/388.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	11.1 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	80/73 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	77 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	32 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	44
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
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	✓	—
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	6
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	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	57.6 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	54.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.0 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	53.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/60R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Tucson PHEV compared to the 2025 Lexus NX?

The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is noticeably more efficient, posting a combined 35 MPG rating. In comparison, the standard Lexus NX only achieves 28 MPG combined, which translates to fewer stops at the gas station for the Tucson driver.

Does the Lexus NX or the Hyundai Tucson offer more horsepower for passing maneuvers?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is substantially more powerful, delivering 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This significantly overshadows the 2025 Lexus NX, which produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover has better space for hauling luggage or gear?

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner for cargo needs, offering 31.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Lexus NX provides a much smaller 22.7 cubic feet, which might limit longer trips.

What is the difference in the base price for these two crossovers?

The MSRPs are quite close, with the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV starting at $40,075. The 2025 Lexus NX has a slightly higher starting price of $40,965.

How does the drive type differ between the two vehicles?

The base 2025 Lexus NX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment, potentially offering better traction in varied conditions.

Does the Tucson PHEV offer any all-electric driving capability?

Yes, the 2026 Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers an all-electric range of 32 miles. This means many local errands can potentially be completed without using any gasoline whatsoever.