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This is the new Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX300h comparison for 2019. With the wait list for the RAv4 especially the Hybrid version we looked at what else was available with a Hybrid engine and at a affordable price. Guess what? There aren’t many! There’s the PHEV Hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander, Lexus UX250h and this, the Lexus NX300h. The NX300h is the prior generation RAV4 with lots of upgrades or upmarket trim in Lexus fashion and it definitely visually different from the donor RAV4. With a long wait list for the RAV4 Hybrid some would consider the Lexus version although it is more expensive but not completely unaffordable due to various finance offerings. Many will claim there’s no cross shopping between these two models due to various factors detailed below but we definitely think there will be due to the scarcity of the RAV4 Hybrid and the Lexus UX is not exactly setting the world on fire in terms of sales.
Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX300h exterior design: The RAV4 does not push the design envelope as with most Toyota models. While is does have design clues from other Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner is also has Jeep and VW design clues. The RAV4’s rugged front end is different but every other design element is not unique. The Lexus NX on the other hand hides it’s older RAV4 origins very well and it’s a good looking SUV and we think where Mazda as an example took their inspiration for it’s current designs. However the NX’s paint quality and other ‘upmarket’ design elements like the chrome give it a contemporary luxury look. It may be overall a conservative design but it looks good.
Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX300h interior: While the interior of the RAV4 is a noticeable upgrade from the hard plastic featured but looked OK older model the new RAV4 is mostly soft, looking and feeling better but still imparts a ‘mass market’ design ambience. It feels bigger and more comfortable especially around the dashboard. The tablet screen uses the latest tablet design trend by all manufacturers although we can understand the ease of use factor but it’s not the nicest looking panel. Overall the RAV4 has a nice new interior no more or less and meets expectations for 2019. On the other hand the Lexus NX300h interior is a much nicer place to be in terms of look and feel. It’s hard to criticise the NX300h as for the price it is exactly what you would expect.
Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX300h engines and technology: We can only assume that the NX300h was the basis for the Hybrid version the RAV4. The difference we can only assume is that the RAV4 has the same tech as the NX although we can also assume that the NX has been tuned for better performance? In terms of safety they have equilivent systems but the NX clearly has more motor assisted conveniences. Ultimate engine performance is difficult to determine on Hybrids as Toyota don’t quote their combined power output just the petrol engine output which s clearly doesn’t represent the electric motor’s contribution.
The conclusion and winner of the Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus NX300h comparison is probably the NX300h but it is conditional. Sure there various NX models that start around $55,000 price range and the Hybrid version is priced from $57,000 which is the only one that can be directly compared in terms of the spec with the new RAV4. Is the base NX300h worth $10,000 more than the top range RAV4? Yes! However with entry level RAV4 Hybrids around $41,000 the price difference to the entry level NX400 Hybrid is quite large. That said with low interest rates on Lexus loans you should at least check out the financing side…
Toyota RAV4 | Lexus NX300h |
Engines | |
4 Cylinder Petrol 2 Litre (1987cc) 91 Octane DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 127Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 203Nm @ 4400RPM |
4 Cylinder Petrol 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 114-147Kw @ 5700RPM Claimed 210Nm @ 4200RPM |
4 Cylinder Petrol 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 152Kw @ 6600RPM Claimed 243Nm @ 4000RPM |
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4 Cylinder Petrol Hybrid 2.5 Litre (2487cc) DOHC EFI VVT Claimed 163Kw @ 4000RPM Claimed 221Nm @ 3600RPM |
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Weight | |
Kerb weight FROM 1515Kg Towing capacity up to 1500kg *Dependimg on engine type |
FROM 1835 Kg Towing capacity up to 1000kg |
Fuel capacity & consumption | |
Up to 55 litres IL4 2.0 litre Petrol 6.8 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Petrol 7.3 litres per 100km IL4 2.5 litre Hybrid 4.8 litres per 100km |
Up to 56 litres IL4 2.5 Petrol Hybrid 5.6 Lts per 100km AVG |
Other specifications | |
6 speed Auto/manual or CVT Auto Overall height/width 1685/1865 Overall length/wheelbase 4615/2690 4WD system: 2WD or AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
CVT Auto Overall height/width 1520/1870 Overall length/wheelbase 4640/2660 4WD system: 2WD or AWD ANCAP Safety: 5/5 |
Capability | |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 188mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) 200mm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Performance | |
Pricing | |
2019 FROM $30,640 – 47,140 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |
2019 $57,200 – 76,900 AUD (Hybrid only) *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |