2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2026 Lexus NX

$41,270 · SUV

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

If you're stuck between wanting rugged capability and needing daily efficiency, deciding between the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2026 Lexus NX is tough. The 4Runner, starting at $41,270, brings serious muscle with 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with a standard RWD setup ready for adventure. However, that capability costs you at the pump, delivering only 22 combined MPG. Conversely, the premium 2026 Lexus NX starts higher at $44,175 but drastically swings the fuel economy pendulum, achieving an outstanding 40 combined MPG, which is a huge 18 MPG advantage over the Toyota. While the NX offers significantly less power at 240 hp, its smaller footprint (183.5 inches long) and better city mileage make it vastly more manageable for urban driving scenarios compared to the larger 4Runner (194.9 inches long).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its exceptional 40 combined MPG, far surpassing the 4Runner's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner offers significantly more utility with 48.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota 4Runner

Enthusiasts prioritizing traditional power will prefer the 4Runner's higher output of 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota 4Runner

Despite the Lexus being a newer model, the 4Runner offers substantially more utility and power for a slightly lower base MSRP of $41,270.

Choose the Toyota 4Runner if...

You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prioritize raw engine output, as the 4Runner boasts 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Saving money on fuel is paramount, highlighted by the 40 combined MPG rating.
You frequently drive in dense city centers and benefit from the smaller 183.5-inch length.
You want the efficiency benefits of a FWD setup and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota 4Runner	Lexus NX
Length	194.9"	183.5"
Width	78.0"	73.4"
Height	72.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	112.2"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
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	✓	✓
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)	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	278 hp @ 6000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Toyota	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	380.0/494.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	10
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	Toyota	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.1 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P245/70R17	235/60R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2026 Lexus NX.

What is the major fuel economy difference between the 2025 4Runner and the 2026 NX?

The difference is substantial; the Lexus NX achieves 40 combined MPG, while the Toyota 4Runner only manages 22 combined MPG, giving the NX an 18 MPG advantage.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling larger families or equipment?

The 2025 4Runner is the clear winner for space, offering 48.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the 22.7 cu ft available in the 2026 Lexus NX.

How does the horsepower and torque compare between these two SUVs?

The 4Runner is significantly more powerful, delivering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, whereas the NX produces 240 hp.

Are there different fuel requirements for these vehicles?

Yes, the 4Runner runs on regular unleaded fuel, but the 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded, which impacts running costs.

Which car is physically larger for parking and maneuvering?

The 4Runner is substantially larger, measuring 194.9 inches long and 78.0 inches wide, compared to the more compact NX at 183.5 inches long and 73.4 inches wide.

What are the drivetrain and transmission differences?

The 4Runner features rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the NX utilizes front-wheel drive with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.