2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$49,125 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $8,530 MSRP difference is the most significant initial divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX ($49,125) and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline ($40,595). While the Ridgeline offers slightly more power with 280 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, the Lexus excels in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG. Furthermore, the RX is substantially smaller in footprint, measuring 192.5 inches long against the Ridgeline's 210.2 inches, which aids maneuverability. However, this size difference heavily impacts utility; the RX provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft (note: Ridgeline's primary utility is an open bed, which is not directly comparable to enclosed crossover capacity). The RX also recommends premium fuel, contrasting with the Ridgeline's regular unleaded requirement, impacting long-term running costs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior 25 combined MPG efficiency compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers significantly more enclosed utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline holds a slight edge with 280 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability compared to the Lexus's 275 hp FWD configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline presents a stronger initial value proposition with a lower MSRP of $40,595, saving $8,530 over the Lexus RX.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Absolute fuel economy is critical, as the RX achieves 25 combined MPG versus 21 MPG for the Ridgeline.
You prioritize interior refinement and need maximum enclosed cargo volume, offering 29.6 cu ft.
A smaller exterior footprint (192.5 inches long) is necessary for urban parking.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

Initial purchase price is the primary constraint, as the Ridgeline starts $8,530 cheaper at $40,595.
All-Wheel Drive capability is required standard, whereas the RX is listed with FWD.
The owner plans to utilize the versatility of a pickup configuration, despite its minimal 7.3 cu ft enclosed capacity rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Honda Ridgeline
Length	192.5"	210.2"
Width	75.6"	78.6"
Height	67.3"	70.8"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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 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	2.4 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Honda
Infotainment Display	9.8 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	7
Subwoofer Count	1	1
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
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Honda
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	38.6 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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 RX and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

Which vehicle has the superior powertrain based purely on specifications?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline technically produces higher peak output with 280 hp, exceeding the 2025 Lexus RX’s 275 hp. However, the Lexus compensates with higher torque delivery at 317 lb-ft versus the Ridgeline’s 262 lb-ft, and the RX uses a more efficient 8-speed transmission.

How does the fuel requirement impact long-term operating costs?

The Lexus RX specifies premium unleaded (recommended), which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel required by the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. This disparity, combined with the RX's slightly lower 25 MPG rating, suggests higher potential fueling expenses for the Lexus.

Is the Ridgeline’s larger size advantageous for family use?

While the Ridgeline is considerably larger (210.2 inches long vs. 192.5 inches for the RX), the utility benefit is complex. The RX offers 29.6 cu ft of sealed cargo space, whereas the Ridgeline is rated for only 7.3 cu ft, reflecting its open bed configuration which isn't always suitable for family transport.

What is the mechanical difference in drive systems?

The standard configuration for the 2025 Lexus RX lists Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the 2026 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with All Wheel Drive (AWD). This grants the Ridgeline better traction potential in low-grip situations straight from the base MSRP.

How significant is the price gap for buyers on a strict budget?

The price discrepancy is substantial: the Ridgeline costs $40,595, meaning a buyer saves $8,530 upfront by selecting it over the Lexus RX at $49,125. This $8,530 difference is the largest numerical gap between the two models.

Which vehicle provides better acceleration torque metrics?

The 2025 Lexus RX delivers superior low-end pulling power with 317 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly higher than the 262 lb-ft produced by the 2026 Honda Ridgeline.