SUV WARS! WHICH Would You Rather? The Lexus NX Or Toyota RAV4?

Not too long ago I had the chance to get behind the wheel of the all-new Toyota RAV4. For me this was an interesting experience. That's because I went in expecting one thing and by the time the loan ended, I walked away with a completely different impression.

Essentially, I was expecting the RAV4 to be a dog. Turns out it's actually a pretty good little sport-utility vehicle.

The reason for this? Well, simply put, the last-gen RAV4 had a spectacularly awful ride. Its suspension was awfully tuned. Driving around New York City was equivalent to torture. Its ride is so poor in the last-gen RAV4 I actually cancel those Ubers when they pop up as the vehicle I will be traveling in.

But that's not all. Its interior is vastly improved also. Sure, the display could be bigger with easier to use software and it could be integrated in a more clean fashion with the dashboard, but it could be worse.

There's just one problem: The Lexus NX exists. And when the RAV4 Adventure rings the register at nearly $40,000 you have to ask yourself: Are you really going to write a check for a RAV4 that costs 40 boxes of ziti? It just seems ludicrous.

Having said that, I've got to ask: WHICH would YOU rather? The 2019 Lexus NX or a 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure?

valhallakey - 5/30/2019 3:05:10 AM

+2 Boost

Being a total brand whore, I would go with the Lexus.

qwertyfla1 - 5/30/2019 6:53:31 AM

0 Boost

The NX is a nice little package -small but comfy and some of the best seats in the business.

atc98092 - 5/30/2019 7:49:27 AM

+3 Boost

I went with the Outback when I was looking at that size of car. I shopped both of these, but I didn't care for the Rav4 at all, and the Lexus was far too expensive once you added options. But now I've moved to the Kia Niro. I didn't need something as big as the Outback, and the MPG I'm getting with the PHEV is fantastic. I've gone 450 miles and the gas gauge is only two marks below full. I'd say I'm going to easily go 1000 miles before I need gas.

MDarringer - 5/30/2019 8:56:22 AM

-2 Boost

I seriously wonder why PHEV isn't more common among crossovers.

atc98092 - 5/30/2019 9:44:04 AM

0 Boost

The biggest thing I see is they aren't quite offering the range to fully justify the expense and complexity. Mercedes has three PHEVs, all with under 10 miles of EV range. My Kia is rated at 25-26, but I can get about 30 if hills aren't involved. I think 40-50 EV miles would be the sweet spot, but there aren't any with that much range. I can't quite make my commute round trip on EV only, because I can't charge at work. 10 more miles would be enough even in winter.

MDarringer - 5/30/2019 7:57:59 AM

-3 Boost

Rav4.

mre30 - 5/30/2019 9:12:34 AM

-2 Boost

If you are going to spring for the Lexus, you might as well just get a Land Rover Discovery Sport. Its being refreshed for 2020. Sure its a Ford Escape underneath but if you happen to be a status whore, the Land Rover is much classier than the Lexus, it is much larger, and it is priced about the same, out the door.

malba2367 - 5/30/2019 10:40:14 AM

+1 Boost

Tough choice...the RAV4 looks nicer inside and outside but doesn't have the 2.0T engine available. I would go for the 2020 Outback with the Turbo engine over either of these choices.

cidflekken - 5/30/2019 11:37:27 AM

+2 Boost

Neither is a stellar product. The RAV4 still lags behind the CR-V and CX-5 in almost every aspect, with only interior space as its advantage. Comments about its unrefined powertrain are consistent.

At $40K, there are better options than either of these. My first choice would be the RDX, but probably for a better value I'd go with the CX-5. I really wish Mazda still made the CX-7. If it were styled like the rest of the brand's SUVs with more interior space than the CX-5, it would be a killer value.

Truthy - 5/30/2019 11:46:49 AM

+1 Boost

Both are too expensive compared to competition.
The interior on the Toyota is essentially mono-chromatic black. The drive train on the Rav4 drones loudly. The Lexus has a nice interior, but is bland to drive.
Acura RDX A-Spec better all the way around.

scenicbyway12 - 5/30/2019 12:48:11 PM

+2 Boost

A car, not a wimp wagon on stilts.

countguy - 5/30/2019 12:58:02 PM

+2 Boost

I'm not a soccer mom, so neither.

skytop - 5/30/2019 11:46:36 PM

-3 Boost

The chain link fence on the front of the Lexless is hideous. The switchgear inside is UNUSABLE and impossible to locate during night time driving.