Honda CR-V Vs. Lexus NX: The Ultimate SUV Showdown

So, you’re in the market for a swanky new SUV. Congratulations! SUVs are more than just a mode of transportation; they’re an extension of your lifestyle. And if you’ve narrowed your options down to the Honda CR-V and the Lexus NX, you’re already on the right track. 

Both vehicles offer an enticing blend of performance, comfort, and technology. But when the rubber meets the road, which one really takes the cake? Let’s delve into this automotive matchup and find out!

A Brief Comparison Table

FeaturesHonda CR-VLexus NX
Engine1.5-liter turbocharged inline-42.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower190 HP235 HP
Torque179 lb-ft258 lb-ft
Fuel Efficiency (City)28 mpg22 mpg
Fuel Efficiency (Highway)34 mpg28 mpg
Interior Space75.8 cubic feet (max)54.6 cubic feet (max)
Infotainment Screen7-inch8-inch or 10.3-inch
UpholsteryFabric (Leather optional)Leather
Safety FeaturesHonda SensingLexus Safety System+
Starting PriceLowerHigher

Performance: Turbocharged or Naturally Aspirated?

Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V

When it comes to the Honda CR-V, you’re looking at a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 190 horsepower. The CR-V is zippy around town, and it’s more than capable on the highway too. It offers a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which ensures smooth acceleration.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine making 235 horsepower. If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, the Lexus offers it in spades. Additionally, the NX sports a six-speed automatic transmission, which might not be as smooth as the CVT but certainly gives a more “engaged” driving experience.

Pros & Cons
  • Honda CR-V: Better fuel efficiency but less horsepower.
  • Lexus NX: More horsepower but tends to guzzle a bit more fuel.

Also Read: Differences Between Mastercraft Courser Trail HD And BFG KO2 Tires.

Interior Comfort: Leather or Cloth?

Lexus NX
Lexus NX

Honda CR-V

In terms of comfort, the Honda CR-V offers spacious interiors and a user-friendly setup. The base model might not come with plush leather seats, but the comfort level is still pretty darn good. There’s ample cargo space, especially when you fold down the rear seats.

Lexus NX

Stepping inside a Lexus NX is like walking into a luxury hotel room. Leather everywhere! The overall quality and fit and finish are nothing short of excellent. However, the cargo space is somewhat limited compared to the CR-V.

Pros & Cons
  • Honda CR-V: More cargo space but less luxurious materials.
  • Lexus NX: Luxurious interiors but compromised cargo space.

Tech Features: Infotainment and More

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is fitted with a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen. You’ve got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both essentials for modern drivers. Plus, Honda’s safety suite, Honda Sensing, is comprehensive and user-friendly.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX, on the other hand, has a more complicated infotainment system. It’s feature-rich but takes a bit of time to get used to. The car is also fitted with the Lexus Safety System, which is as good as Honda Sensing if not better.

Pros & Cons
  • Honda CR-V: User-friendly tech but fewer bells and whistles.
  • Lexus NX: Advanced tech but with a learning curve.

Price: Bang for Your Buck?

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is undeniably more wallet-friendly. It’s an economical choice that doesn’t skimp on essential features.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is more of a luxury buy. Yes, it’s pricier, but you’re also getting a host of added features and premium materials that the CR-V just doesn’t offer.

Pros & Cons
  • Honda CR-V: Economical but less luxurious.
  • Lexus NX: Premium experience at a premium price.

The Key Differences Between Honda CR-V and Lexus NX

So you’re still pondering the great dilemma: Honda CR-V or Lexus NX? Totally get it! Let’s jump into the gritty details that separate these two. By looking at the key differences, we’ll help you figure out which SUV has your name written all over it.

Under the Hood: Power vs Efficiency

  • Honda CR-V

Here’s the deal: the Honda CR-V comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that gives you 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean? It means you get a reasonably powerful engine that’s also pretty fuel-efficient. With a CVT, the CR-V averages about 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

  • Lexus NX

In the red corner, the Lexus NX sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, generating a beefier 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, and you’re looking at around 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Key Difference: The Lexus NX offers a stronger performance, but the Honda CR-V takes the cake in fuel efficiency.

Comfort & Space: Room for Groceries or Room for Luxury?

  • Honda CR-V

Now, let’s talk about where you and your passengers will be spending the most time: the interior. The Honda CR-V offers generous space, not just for passengers but also for your cargo (we’re talking about up to 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded). The fabric upholstery is comfortable, and you can opt for leather in higher trims.

  • Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers a luxury-focused interior. You’ll find leather upholstery and a host of other premium features. However, cargo space is significantly limited, with a maximum of 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Key Difference: If you need more cargo space, go with the Honda CR-V. If you’re looking for a more luxurious interior, then the Lexus NX is your pick.

Tech-Savvy: Simple vs Sophisticated

  • Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V offers a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its infotainment system is user-friendly but a little dated. Safety-wise, it has Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and more.

  • Lexus NX

The Lexus NX comes with an 8-inch or available 10.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display. It’s packed with features but requires a steeper learning curve. Safety features are quite similar to Honda Sensing but include a few more bells and whistles like pedestrian detection.

Key Difference: Honda CR-V is more straightforward tech-wise, making it easier to use, while the Lexus NX offers more features but with added complexity.

Pricing: Budget-Friendly vs Premium Experience

  • Honda CR-V

With a starting price considerably lower than the Lexus NX, the Honda CR-V aims to deliver high value for the cost. Even its higher trims, decked out with extra features, will generally cost less than a base-model Lexus NX.

  • Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is definitely a pricier option, with even the base model likely to cost you more than the top-tier Honda CR-V. However, you get a lot of luxury and performance perks for that extra cash.

Key Difference: The Honda CR-V gives you more bang for your buck, but the Lexus NX offers a more premium driving experience if you’re willing to pay for it.

Also Read: Differences Among Mobil 1, Castrol Edge And Pennzoil Platinum Engine Oil.

FAQ Section

Which Lexus is similar to Honda CR-V?

The Lexus NX is the model most similar to the Honda CR-V in terms of size and utility.

What is the difference between Lexus NX hybrid and Honda CRV hybrid?

The Lexus NX Hybrid offers more luxurious features but comes at a higher price point. The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers better fuel economy and is more budget-friendly.

Is the Lexus NX bigger than the RX?

No, the Lexus RX is larger in terms of size and offers more cargo space compared to the NX.

What does NX stand for in Lexus?

NX stands for “Nimble Crossover.”

Is Lexus a fancy Honda?

No, Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota. While both Japanese, they are distinct brands with their own design philosophies.

Who is Lexus’ biggest competitor?

Lexus’ biggest competitor is generally considered to be BMW, followed closely by other luxury brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Conclusion

In summary, the Honda CR-V is a sensible, budget-friendly choice that ticks most of the boxes. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, is for those who want to splurge a bit more for added luxury and power. Both have their merits, so your final decision will likely boil down to what you prioritize more: luxury or economy. Happy driving!

There you have it, a thorough breakdown of these two automotive titans. Whether you’re craving the luxuries offered by the Lexus NX or the practicality and value of the Honda CR-V, one of these models is sure to fit your lifestyle like a glove. Choose wisely!

Clayton S. Johnson

Well, I am Clayton who writes, manages, and does overall stuff for this website. I live somewhere in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and used to have a full-time job. But the pandemic taught me to do more do with my life. So, I quit my job and travel a lot! Since I have tons of time now, I write about all the stuff I have done, used, and have first-hand experiences.

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