2026 Honda CR-V vs 2026 Lexus RX

$30,920 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2026 Honda CR-V and the 2026 Lexus RX is the $18,805 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), starting at $30,920 for the CR-V versus $49,725 for the RX. This price variance reflects substantial performance differences, as the RX delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the CR-V's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. However, the CR-V achieves a superior 30 MPG combined rating, whereas the RX is rated at 25 MPG combined and requires premium unleaded fuel. Dimensionally, the RX is longer at 192.5 inches compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. Cargo capacity also favors the Honda, offering 39.3 cubic feet versus the RX's 29.6 cubic feet. These metrics clearly segment the vehicles by budget, efficiency, and performance intent.

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 30 MPG combined rating and lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers substantially more utility with 39.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RX's 29.6 cu ft, which is a major factor for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX provides superior performance credentials, boasting 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the CR-V by 85 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda CR-V

With an MSRP nearly $19,000 lower and better fuel economy, the CR-V presents a demonstrably higher value proposition across initial and running costs.

Choose the Honda CR-V if...

Budget constraints necessitate an MSRP below $31,000.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, leveraging its 30 MPG combined rating.
Maximum cargo volume is required, as it offers 39.3 cu ft versus 29.6 cu ft.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

Performance metrics are a priority, demanding 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
A vehicle using an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is preferred over a CVT.
A premium ownership experience is sought, despite the necessity of premium unleaded fuel.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda CR-V	Lexus RX
Length	184.8"	192.5"
Width	73.5"	75.6"
Height	66.2"	67.3"
Wheelbase	106.3"	112.2"

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	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	190 hp @ 6000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	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	Honda	Lexus
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	392.0/462.0 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	17.8 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan 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	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	—	1
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 Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	56.7 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	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Rear Head Room	38.2 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.0 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.6 in.	55.9 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	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the direct horsepower deficit between the 2026 CR-V and the 2026 RX?

The 2026 Lexus RX has a significant performance advantage, producing 275 horsepower compared to the 2026 Honda CR-V's 190 horsepower. This results in an 85 horsepower difference favoring the Lexus model.

How much larger is the cargo area in the CR-V compared to the RX?

The 2026 Honda CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Lexus RX provides notably less room at 29.6 cubic feet, a difference of 9.7 cubic feet.

Do both models use the same transmission type?

No, the vehicles utilize different transmissions. The 2026 Honda CR-V employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), while the 2026 Lexus RX is equipped with a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic.

What are the primary fuel economy and fuel type differences?

The CR-V achieves 30 MPG combined and runs on regular unleaded fuel. Conversely, the RX achieves only 25 MPG combined and requires premium unleaded fuel, increasing operational expenses.

How large is the price gap between the entry-level versions of these two crossovers?

There is a substantial $18,805 price gap between the vehicles, with the CR-V starting at $30,920 and the RX starting at $49,725.

Are the exterior footprints of these crossovers significantly different?

Yes, the Lexus RX is slightly larger overall, measuring 192.5 inches in length compared to the CR-V's 184.8 inches. The RX is also marginally wider and taller.