Lexus NX vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery sizes to choose from. The larger battery, while more expensive, provided enhanced power, performance, and range. Pricing ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including destination charges. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The 2026 bZ's restyled exterior, especially with body-color trim, was a significant improvement over its predecessor. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, with a 14-inch center touchscreen and integrated climate controls. However, the digital driver display's placement and size remained a concern.

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance with well-integrated styling elements like chunky fenders and the spindle grille. It wasn't as classically handsome as some rivals but avoided awkwardness seen in others. The NX's design team refined existing elements, making them appear intentional rather than added for visual impact. For 2026, the NX was offered in non-hybrid NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ variants, with various trim levels. The F Sport Handling grade added features like adaptive dampers and black 20-inch wheels. While Lexus' styling became more extroverted, it didn't deter sales, though the base NX 350's interior didn't quite meet luxury expectations. The F Sport Handling test car's interior felt similar to high-end Toyota RAV4 versions, with sport seats and aluminum pedals not compensating for the lack of luxury feel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Opting for the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, maintaining the same efficiency. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp, with a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD and 278 miles for the Limited. Recharging the bZ using a DC fast charger took about 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. The bZ's performance was agreeable for city driving, though its mid-range passing power on highways was limited. The ride could be choppy on uneven surfaces, and the FWD model struggled with traction in tight corners.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered various powertrains, but the standard setup in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It used 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 AWD. The engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, and the transmission's sluggishness made achieving the quoted 6.6-second 0-60 mph time challenging. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling options, with the latter delivering 304 hp and a 6-second 0-60 mph time. However, the NX's chassis tuning was indifferent, with the F Sport Handling package's adaptive dampers proving too firm. The ride quality was uncomfortable, and the steering lacked engagement, making the NX less enjoyable to drive compared to competitors.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats had standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats in the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and dual wireless smartphone chargers. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, or 25.8 cubic feet in the Limited trim, with a maximum of 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was similar to the Audi and Mercedes, though the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The F Sport Handling spec included sport seats with extra bolstering, which were comfortable but unnecessary given the NX's performance. Cargo space was 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors. The NX's 2,000-pound towing capacity was also below class-leading figures.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and size made it difficult to read, while the infotainment system lacked a home screen for simultaneous data panel display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans available. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and Intelligent Assistant voice control, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display optional on Premium and standard 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 free trials. The voice recognition system responded to "Hey Lexus" commands but had limitations, such as not being able to switch SiriusXM stations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, though it resembled older analog displays.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. Other standard features included blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Good rating for front-crash avoidance but Poor for headlights.

The 2026 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Additional driver-assist features were available, such as park assist and a 360-degree camera system. The NX was named a 2025 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an Acceptable score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.