2026 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Lexus NX

$40,595 · Crossover

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Lexus NX often comes down to prioritizing utility versus luxury efficiency. If sheer hauling capability matters, the Ridgeline, despite its $40,595 MSRP, offers a distinct truck-like architecture. However, the Ridgeline lags significantly in fuel economy, achieving only 21 combined MPG compared to the NX's impressive 40 combined MPG, leading to long-term running cost differences, especially since the Ridgeline needs regular unleaded while the NX recommends premium. Power output is another key differentiator: the Ridgeline boasts 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, overshadowing the NX's 240 hp. Interestingly, despite being the larger vehicle at 210.2 inches long, the Ridgeline’s dedicated cargo space is only 7.3 cu ft, much smaller than the NX’s 22.7 cu ft, highlighting their fundamentally different design goals.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 40 combined MPG efficiency and smaller physical footprint for easier city parking.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

Families will benefit more from the Lexus NX's larger 22.7 cu ft of enclosed cargo capacity compared to the Ridgeline's minimal 7.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher 280 hp output and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with standard all-wheel drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline offers better brute-force performance metrics (like horsepower) for a $3,580 lower starting MSRP than the Lexus NX.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the higher output of 280 horsepower for towing or spirited driving.
You prefer the reliable fuel economy rating of 21 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel.
You require the stability and traction provided by standard all-wheel drive.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Maximizing fuel savings is critical, given the 40 combined MPG rating.
You need substantial enclosed storage, as the NX offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo room.
You want the lower entry price point of $40,595, saving $3,580 over the competitor.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Lexus NX
Length	210.2"	183.5"
Width	78.6"	73.4"
Height	70.8"	66.1"
Wheelbase	125.2"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Lexus
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 Solid 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)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	—
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
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	38.8 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/60R	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
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 Ridgeline and 2026 Lexus NX.

Which crossover is better for long-distance road trips based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Lexus NX is significantly better for road trips, achieving 40 combined MPG (42 city/38 highway). The Honda Ridgeline trails substantially at only 21 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway).

Why is the Honda Ridgeline listed as a crossover despite having truck-like power?

The Ridgeline is categorized as a crossover because it uses a unibody construction, but it clearly offers more power with 280 hp compared to the NX's 240 hp, making it a performance outlier in this comparison.

Does the higher cost of the Lexus NX ($44,175) buy me more space?

Yes, but only in the passenger/rear storage area; the Lexus NX offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Ridgeline only has 7.3 cu ft inside its bed/storage area.

If I buy the Ridgeline, do I need to worry about premium gasoline?

No, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, unlike the 2026 Lexus NX, which recommends premium unleaded.

How much more physical space does the Ridgeline take up on the road?

The Ridgeline is considerably larger, measuring 210.2 inches in length and 78.6 inches wide, compared to the NX’s 183.5 inches length and 73.4 inches width.

Is the FWD Lexus NX at a disadvantage compared to the AWD Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline comes standard with AWD, which is better for slippery conditions, but the NX uses a FWD configuration, which is generally adequate for most commuters but less capable in severe weather.