2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance with its well-integrated styling elements. The design featured chunky fenders, headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, and taillights connected by a thin strip, all centered around the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. While it wasn't as classically handsome as the Genesis GV70 or Volvo XC60, it avoided the awkwardness seen in the latest Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The design team at Lexus refined the existing recipe, ensuring that key elements like the big grille and LED DRLs appeared intentional rather than added as an afterthought. The oversized grille, though still controversial, was balanced by the placement of the headlights and side air intakes.

The 2026 Lexus TX, on the other hand, offered a more substantial presence with its large grille retaining some of the older spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear LED lighting spanned the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler, and included roof rails for additional storage options. The TX 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and the newly available Matador Red Mica paint. While the interior offered ambient lighting and suede trim, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a novel feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard hardware in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite a quoted 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, the lethargic transmission made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the NX 350h generating 240 hp and the NX 450h+ offering 304 hp. However, the indifferent chassis tuning and firm dampers in the F Sport Handling upgrade resulted in uncomfortable ride quality and an unengaging driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid impressed with its 404 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX offered versatile drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with a charge mode to replenish the battery using the gasoline engine. The TX 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effectively. The all-wheel drive system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's performance was well-suited for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but legroom was slightly less generous. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered outward visibility due to the deep dashboard and large exterior mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's 2,000-pound towing capacity was also below class-leading figures.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ excelled in interior space, offering standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled front seats. The third row was notably spacious, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. A one-touch button facilitated easy entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, while the cupholders were versatile and removable. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. All models included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, with subscriptions needed after trial periods. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement, with awkward touch sliders for fan speed adjustment. The voice recognition system offered some assistance but had limitations, such as not being able to switch SiriusXM stations.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were multi-functional and unlabeled, complicating their use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an available Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged, and the second row had an available 120-volt outlet for larger items.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in the moderate overlap front crash test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.

The 2026 Lexus TX also featured the Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and TX 500h earned five-star ratings from NHTSA, while the TX received an "Acceptable" score in the IIHS small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" score for the passenger’s side.