2026 Lexus RX vs. the Competition

The Lexus RX has been an industry leader since its introduction as one of the most important models in the popularization of luxury SUVs. Today, it remains the best-selling model in the extensive Lexus lineup, not to mention the best seller in its segment. To help explain this popularity, let’s take a look at how the competition measures up.

Lexus RX VS Acura RDX

2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD	VS	2025 Acura RDX Base AWD
$52,775	MSRP*	$46,050
275 HP / 317 LB-FT TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	272 / 280 LB-FT TQ
24 mpg ?	Combined Fuel Economy	23 mpg
2 conventional hybrid / 1 plug-in hybrid ?	Electrified Drivetrain Options	None
3,500 pounds ?	Towing Capacity	1,500 pounds
12 ?	Speakers	9
Standard ?	Rain Sensing Wipers	Requires higher trim
Standard ?	Integrated Navigation	Requires higher trim
Standard ?	Semi-Autonomous Cruise Control	Not available
Standard ?	Front Fog Lights	Not available

Scroll Right to View Information

Our first competitor is the Acura RDX, which appeals to customers because of a price advantage over the RX. The reason for that advantage becomes clear almost immediately, though, once you take a look at the power output from the smaller engine in the Acura. The Lexus RX doubles down on the power advantage by also offering superior fuel economy. This comes courtesy of the advanced drivetrain technology employed by Lexus, and it doesn’t end there. Three different hybrid drivetrains are offered for the RX, including a high-performance variant and a plug-in hybrid option, as alternatives to the conventional drivetrain. The Acura RDX, meanwhile, is available only with the single conventional option. The Lexus RX also offers more than double the towing capacity of the RDX, which isn’t entirely due to the extra power, but it doesn’t hurt.

The RDX comes with a decent stereo for the price range, but it’s not quite enough to compete with the system in the Lexus, which is a legitimate standout. Rain-sensing wipers and integrated navigation are pretty regularly standard on a luxury model, but in service of a lower starting price, Acura makes you upgrade to a higher trim to have them. And even if you option up to the top trim, things like semi-autonomous cruise control and LED foglights simply aren’t available at all on the Acura RDX.

Lexus RX VS INFINITI QX55

2026 Lexus RX 350 AWD	VS	2025 INFINITI QX55 Luxe AWD
$52,775	MSRP*	$51,500
275 HP / 317 LB-FT TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	268 HP / 280 LB-FT TQ
8-speed automatic ?	Transmission	CVT
3,500 pounds ?	Towing Capacity	Not rated
12 ?	Speakers	6
10 inches ?	Infotainment Touchscreen	8 inches
Standard ?	Integrated Navigation	Requires higher trim
Front and rear ?	Parking Sensors	Rear only
Standard ?	Driver Attention Alert	Not Available
Standard ?	Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available

Scroll Right to View Information

Next up is the other big Japanese rival, the INFINITI QX55. This is priced more similarly to the RX, although it once again disappoints in the drivetrain department. Not only does it offer less power, but it sends that power through a CVT, rather than a traditional automatic like the one found in the RX. CVTs are good for keeping costs down for lower-powered economy vehicles, but they tend to make power delivery feel numb when compared to the 8-speed automatic that comes with the RX. CVTs also can’t tow much, and this is a major part of why the QX55 isn’t rated for towing.

The RX once again has the superior stereo, not that the QX55 is much competition in this area. The RX comes with a bigger and easier to operate infotainment touchscreen. A bigger 14-inch unit is available too, but with the QX55, the only option is the small 8-inch screen. You can use that bigger screen in the RX with the standard integrated navigation, but to do so in the QX55 requires an upgrade to a higher trim. The QX55 does have rear parking sensors, but front parking sensors, a driver attention alert, and a rear cross traffic alert are all unavailable on the QX55. Good thing they’re standard on the RX.

Lexus RX VS Range Rover Velar

2026 Lexus RX 350 Luxury AWD	VS	2026 Range Rover Velar P250 S
$63,495 ?	MSRP*	$62,975
275 HP / 317 LB-FT TQ ?	Horsepower / Torque	247 HP / 269 LB-FT TQ
24 mpg ?	Combined Fuel Economy	23 mpg
21 inches ?	Wheels	19 inches
Mark Levinson® 21-speaker, 1,800-watt PurePlay Surround Sound ?	Premium Stereo	Meridian™ 16-speaker, 750-watt 3D Surround Sound System
Standard ?	Heated Back Seats	Optional
Standard ?	Ventilated Front Seats	Optional
Standard ?	Head-Up Display	Optional
Standard ?	Fog Lights	Not Available
12 months / 10,000 miles ?	Included Routine Maintenance	None

Scroll Right to View Information

The RX has a number of strengths, but good looks have always been the icing on the cake. So, for our last comparison, we’re looking at the stylish Range Rover Velar. The Velar comes with a hefty price tag, thanks to standard features like all-wheel drive and leather upholstery, but the RX 350 Luxury AWD has those features too, and is nearly identically priced, so that’s what we’re using for this comparison. Right from the start, the higher starting price of the Velar does not translate into more power, in fact, it has the least power of any vehicle in this comparison. Despite this, the RX once again delivers superior fuel economy. And for all of the emphasis put on the styling of the Velar, it comes with an unusually small set of wheels. In fact, you need to move up to a higher trim just for the opportunity to pay several thousand dollars more to have 21-inch wheels, the same size that come standard on this trim of the RX.

Both vehicles come with 12-speaker stereo systems, but upgraded premium stereo systems are popular with luxury shoppers, and the available Mark Levinson® system in the RX offers a clear advantage in this area. As we’ve mentioned, both vehicles come with leather upholstery, and you get heated front seats in both as well. But only the RX comes with heated back seats, as well as ventilated front seats; both of these features cost extra on the Velar. A head-up display is standard on the RX, but extra on the Velar, and the Velar doesn’t offer fog lights at all. Lexus even throws in your first year/10,000 miles of routine maintenance. It all really makes you wonder why the starting price of the Velar is so high in the first place.

Winner - Lexus RX

The appeal of the RX is undeniable, and the way that it appeals across so many categories has always been the key to its massive success. The offerings from Acura, INFINITI, and Land Rover just can’t match the driving experience, the luxury, or the style of the RX. But to really appreciate the difference, you need to experience the RX for yourself. Let Lexus of Akron-Canton help you find your RX.

*Starting MSRP includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling fee (DPH), which is subject to change at any time. Excludes manufacturer and dealer options, taxes, title and license, and dealer fees and charges. Dealer price will vary.