If you have seen the Toyota RAV4, you might recognize the Lexus NX SUV. While the Toyota RAV4 Prime is a popular crossover SUV, the Lexus NX 450h+ is a popular luxury sport utility vehicle. What separates these two vehicles?

Is the Lexus NX 450h+ the same size as the Toyota RAV4 Prime?

When Car and Driver reviewed the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+, the author noted that it shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The length of the Lexus NX 450h+ is 183.5 inches, with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. Car and Driver says the Toyota RAV4 Prime XSE is 180.9 inches long with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches.

The two SUVs share a powertrain, and the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine comes in both. An electric motor helps assist the gasoline engine and the rear wheels, which help make it all-wheel drive.

The 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack helps add 37 miles of electric range on the Lexus NX 450h+, the same as the RAV4 Prime. As the Prime and NX are top-of-the-line options, these are the quickest in the lineup. The NX 450h+ has a zero to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, while the RAV4 Prime’s time is 5.4 seconds.

The Toyota RAV4 Prime beats the Lexus NX 450h+ in price

Regarding pricing, the 2022 RAV4 Prime starts at $40,300 for the SE trim. The XSE trim will run you $43,625. If you want the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+, that’ll cost you $57,300. The NX 450h+ F Sport trim starts at $58,550, an extra $1,250 on top of that.

With the Lexus, the compact luxury SUV is bound to have more to offer than the Toyota version. However, let’s compare the safety side of things. When Edmunds reviewed the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+, some of its favorite safety features were dynamic radar cruise control and risk avoidance emergency assist. Lane departure alert with steering assist is also a positive.

For the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime, Edmunds like pre-collision with pedestrian detection and blind-spot monitoring. Toyota also included lane departure alert with steering assist as well. Edmunds gave both SUVs an eight out of 10 for the safety and technology score.

The price of the Lexus is steep, even if it has a lot to offer

When it comes down to it, these SUVs are too similarly matched for the price difference. For an extra $13,000, you get exotic color choices for the interior and exterior. Both offer added fuel economy thanks to a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a comfortable interior.

Neither option will revolutionize the sport utility vehicle segment, but both are excellent options for a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV. Lexus and Toyota know how to build a hybrid SUV by now, and neither the RAV4 Prime nor the NX 450h+ miss.

While semiconductor chip shortages have impacted the supply of both of these vehicles, that should hopefully change. You might have trouble finding one in your local area, but don’t be afraid to expand your search a bit. A dealership a few hours away might have better inventory for whatever reason. Most dealerships will ship a vehicle for a small fee.