2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Lexus NX

$30,920 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Lexus NX often boils down to balancing budget against luxury aspirations. The significant $13,255 MSRP gap—the CR-V starting at $30,920 versus the NX at $44,175—is the elephant in the room. While the CR-V is practical, offering 39.3 cu ft of cargo space and an excellent combined 30 MPG, it sacrifices power, delivering 190 hp. Conversely, the Lexus NX provides 240 hp for spirited driving but demands premium fuel and only achieves a 40 MPG combined rating while offering just 22.7 cu ft for gear. If maximizing fuel economy and minimizing upfront cost are priorities, the CR-V makes a compelling case against the NX's superior performance figures and expected premium feel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the Lexus NX's 40 MPG (Note: The NX is listed with 40 MPG combined, which is better, but the fuel type difference and lower cost make the CR-V a better overall commuter choice given its regular unleaded requirement).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V is the practical family choice, offering significantly more cargo room at 39.3 cu ft compared to the NX's 22.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX appeals more to enthusiasts, boasting 240 hp versus the CR-V's 190 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers far better value, presenting a $13,255 lower MSRP while still providing good efficiency and utility.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

You want to save $13,255 upfront, as the CR-V MSRP is $30,920.
You prioritize sheer hauling capacity, as the CR-V offers 39.3 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer running on regular unleaded gasoline rather than the premium recommended by the NX.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

You desire more passing power, thanks to the NX's 240 hp engine.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the NX achieves a higher 40 MPG combined rating.
You value a slightly smaller footprint, as the NX is 1.3 inches shorter in length than the CR-V.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Lexus NX
Length	184.8"	183.5"
Width	73.5"	73.4"
Height	66.2"	66.1"
Wheelbase	106.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running 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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 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	Honda	Lexus
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/33 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/462.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	160W	—
Speaker System	4	10
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
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

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/65R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda CR-V and 2026 Lexus NX.

How much more power does the Lexus NX offer over the Honda CR-V?

The 2026 Lexus NX packs 240 horsepower, giving it a 50 hp advantage over the 2026 Honda CR-V, which produces 190 hp.

Is the Honda CR-V better for carrying lots of gear?

Yes, the CR-V is significantly better for cargo, offering 39.3 cubic feet of space compared to the Lexus NX's 22.7 cubic feet.

What is the main difference in ownership costs related to fuel?

The CR-V runs on regular unleaded and gets 30 MPG combined, while the NX runs on premium unleaded and achieves 40 MPG combined; this creates a trade-off between fuel type cost and outright mileage efficiency.

How large are these two crossovers in exterior dimensions?

The dimensions are very similar; the CR-V is slightly longer at 184.8 inches compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, but both share near-identical width and height figures.

Which car is the budget-friendly option?

The 2026 Honda CR-V is substantially more budget-friendly with an MSRP of $30,920, which is $13,255 less than the 2026 Lexus NX's starting price.

Do these vehicles offer different driving setups?

No, based on the provided data, both the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Lexus NX come standard with Front Wheel Drive and utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.