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Lexus RX vs Lexus NX: fuel economy and fuel cost

In model year 2026 the Lexus NX is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $2,010 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (NX 350h, 40 MPG combined), against $2,230 for the Lexus RX (RX 350h, 36 MPG combined). That is $220 a year, or $1,100 over five years.

Both come from the same maker or parent group. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.

Illustration: Small SUVs
  • Hybrid
  • Small SUVs

Lexus RX

Lowest fuel cost configuration

RX 350h

36 MPG
Combined
37 MPG
City
34 MPG
Highway
Annual fuel cost
$2,230

$14.87 per 100 miles

15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices

4 configurations in MY2026

Illustration: Small SUVs
  • Hybrid
  • Small SUVs

Lexus NX

Lowest fuel cost configuration

NX 350h

40 MPG
Combined
42 MPG
City
38 MPG
Highway
Annual fuel cost
$2,010

$13.40 per 100 miles

15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices

4 configurations in MY2026

What the fuel costs

Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration

  • Lexus RX$2,230 a year · $14.87 per 100 mi
  • Lexus NX$2,010 a year · $13.40 per 100 mi

Difference per year

$220

Lexus NX costs less to fuel

Over 5 years

$1,100

$220 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices

Head to head, MY2026

Lexus RX and Lexus NX compared on their lowest fuel cost configuration
Measure Lexus RX Lexus NX
Lowest-cost configuration RX 350hNX 350h
Powertrain HybridHybrid
Combined rating 36 MPG40 MPG (better)
City rating 37 MPG42 MPG (better)
Highway rating 34 MPG38 MPG (better)
Annual fuel cost $2,230/yr$2,010/yr (better)
Cost per 100 miles $14.87$13.40 (better)
Annual cost range, all configurations $2,230–$3,380$2,010–$3,360
Configurations in MY2026 44
EPA class Small SUVsSmall SUVs

Best configuration by powertrain

Lowest-cost configuration of each powertrain, Lexus RX and Lexus NX
Powertrain Lexus RX Lexus NX
Gas 25 MPG · $3,240/yr RX 350 24 MPG · $3,310/yr NX 350 F Sport
Hybrid 36 MPG · $2,230/yr RX 350h 40 MPG · $2,010/yr NX 350h

Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.

Where each one comes out ahead

Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.

Lexus RX

  • Lower annual cost for the best gas configuration: $3,240 vs $3,310

Lexus NX

  • Lower annual fuel cost: $2,010 vs $2,230
  • Higher combined rating: 40 MPG vs 36 MPG
  • Higher city rating: 42 MPG vs 37 MPG
  • Higher highway rating: 38 MPG vs 34 MPG

Year by year

Combined rating and annual fuel cost by model year, Lexus RX and Lexus NX
Model year Lexus RX Lexus NX
CombinedPer yearCombinedPer year
2026 24–36 MPG $2,230–$3,380 24–40 MPG $2,010–$3,360
2025 24–36 MPG $1,520–$3,380 24–39 MPG $1,500–$3,360
2024 24–36 MPG $2,230–$3,390 24–39 MPG $1,500–$3,360
2023 24–36 MPG $2,230–$3,390 25–39 MPG $1,500–$3,240
2022 21–30 MPG $2,700–$3,070 25–39 MPG $1,500–$3,240
2021 21–30 MPG $2,700–$3,080 24–31 MPG $2,110–$3,390
2020 21–30 MPG $2,700–$3,080 24–31 MPG $2,110–$3,390
2019 21–30 MPG $2,700–$3,080 24–31 MPG $2,080–$3,390
2018 21–30 MPG $2,700–$3,080 24–31 MPG $2,090–$3,390
2017 22–30 MPG $2,700–$2,990 24–31 MPG $2,070–$3,390
2016 22–30 MPG $2,650–$2,990 24–32 MPG $2,020–$3,390
2015 20–29 MPG $2,730–$3,270 24–32 MPG $2,020–$3,390

Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper to fuel, the Lexus RX or the Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX is cheaper: about $2,010 a year against $2,230 for the Lexus RX, a difference of $220 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.

How much would the Lexus NX save over five years?

About $1,100 ($220 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.

Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Lexus RX or the Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX is rated 40 MPG combined against 36 MPG for the Lexus RX. City: 37 MPG vs 42 MPG. Highway: 34 MPG vs 38 MPG. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.

How is the annual fuel cost calculated?

Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.

Are the Lexus RX and the Lexus NX in the same class?

Yes. The EPA classes both as Small SUVs.

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More comparisons

EPA ratings: fueleconomy.gov file of Sep 29, 2026 · Prices: EIA regular gasoline, U.S. avg, Sep 2026 ($4.36/gal); residential electricity, U.S. avg, Jul 2026 (18.3¢/kWh) · 15,000 mi/yr, 55% city, same prices for both vehicles