Honda HR-V vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Honda HR-V, available in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, was priced between $27,650 and $31,500, with an additional $1,500 for all-wheel drive. The EX-L AWD model we tested, featuring Nordic Forest Pearl paint, had an MSRP of $33,455. Despite its unconventional design, the HR-V's green paint and 18-inch alloy wheels under gloss-black wheel arches enhanced its appearance. The 2026 model introduced new wheel designs across all trims and added dark-tinted rear privacy glass as standard. Inside, the HR-V offered a more upscale feel with gray upholstery and trim, although this was limited to certain trims and colors. The EX-L featured genuine leather seats with Z-pattern stitching and improved cabin lighting, contributing to a more refined interior.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trims based on powertrain options, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint, making it stand out. Most models had 20-inch wheels, while the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The TX retained its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with LED lighting spanning the rear. Inside, the TX provided luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats, but material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and the interior lacked the attention to detail found in some competitors.

The 2026 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. Weighing up to 3,336 pounds, the HR-V's engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) worked hard, especially during acceleration and overtaking. Despite its modest power, the HR-V's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 24.8 mpg in real-world testing, below its EPA ratings. The HR-V's dynamic tuning, including a multi-link rear suspension and Agile Handling Assist, provided a lively driving experience, though its steering and braking performance were only adequate.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered various drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to different driving needs. The 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system and Trail Mode for challenging conditions. While not a sports car, the TX's Sport mode enhanced throttle response, and its suspension handled bumps and potholes with ease.

The 2026 Honda HR-V's interior lacked innovation, with a rear seat that folded flat but lacked versatility. It missed features like a fold-flat front passenger seat and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The HR-V's cargo area offered 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear lacked support and amenities like air-conditioning vents and USB ports.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with cupholders and USB-C ports for each seat. The second-row captain's chairs offered easy access to the third row, though folding them flat was cumbersome. The TX's cargo space was impressive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The front seats were roomy but could use more thigh support, and the center console's dual-opening lid limited access.

The 2026 Honda HR-V featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a faster processor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, it lacked built-in navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio. The EX-L's eight-speaker audio system performed well, and the 7-inch digital instrumentation panel was user-friendly. Despite its simplicity, the HR-V's tech offerings fell short compared to rivals.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel's multi-functional buttons were confusing, and smartphone connectivity was essential for navigation. The TX offered advanced parking features and a rear-camera mirror, but some subscription-based features were unavailable for testing. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-covered.

The 2026 Honda HR-V came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the system occasionally required driver intervention due to delayed reactions. The HR-V received favorable safety ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for 2025.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. While adaptive cruise control worked well, Proactive Driving Assist was often turned off due to its unpredictability. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while IIHS gave it mixed scores in crash tests.