Lexus NX Hybrid vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, part of the sixth-generation lineup, received a subtle refresh, with the introduction of the new TrailSport trim being the highlight. This trim added distinctive features such as orange badges, Shark Gray 18-inch wheels, and Continental CrossContact ATR tires for enhanced traction. The TrailSport also featured a silver skid-plate-style trim piece below the front fascia, although it was more for aesthetics than functionality. The CR-V's exterior design remained largely unchanged from 2025, but the interior saw updates like orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport models. The CR-V was available in seven trim levels, with the hybrid options being the Sport, TrailSport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. It offered eight color options, including the TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport Handling model, showcased a bold and intricate design with its large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The profile was sporty yet understated, with smooth lines and body-colored fender flares. The F Sport Handling elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, with the fastback roof shape adding a coupe-like flair. Inside, the NX combined sporty aesthetics with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen. The interior was enhanced with dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery. The NX's NuLuxe textile mimicked real leather, contributing to the upscale feel.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup replaced the traditional transmission with a two-motor system, offering seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The CR-V Hybrid boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 40 mpg combined for FWD models and 37 mpg for AWD models. The TrailSport trim, with its all-terrain tires, managed 35 mpg combined. The CR-V Hybrid's AWD system was enhanced for 2026, allowing up to 50% of torque to be sent to the rear axle. It also featured multiple drive modes, including a customizable Individual mode. The hybrid CR-V could tow up to 1,500 pounds, making it versatile for light utility tasks.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport Handling, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 240 horsepower. The AWD model accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD version took 8.2 seconds. The NX's power delivery was smooth but not particularly thrilling, with the engine droning under hard acceleration. The F Sport Handling model had adaptive dampers and a firmer suspension, providing a controlled ride rather than a sporty one. The steering was weighty but lacked feedback. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 hp, but at a higher cost.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a practical and functional interior with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. It provided ample headroom and legroom, with 38.2 inches and 41 inches in the second row, respectively. The front seats offered up to 41.3 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom. The CR-V's seats were comfortable, with leather-trimmed options available on higher trims. Standard features included heated front seats, a moonroof, and dual-zone climate control. The center console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport Handling model featured well-bolstered front seats with power adjustments, heated and ventilated options, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seats offered 37.4 inches of headroom and 36.1 inches of legroom, accommodating average-sized adults comfortably. The NX's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The coupe-like roof design contributed to the reduced cargo capacity. Despite this, the NX provided enough space for everyday needs and occasional larger hauls.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, replacing the previous 7-inch unit. It featured wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a physical phone-projection button for easy access. The Sport Touring trim included Google built-in, offering Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store for three years. A Wi-Fi hotspot was standard on hybrid trims, while SiriusXM was not available. The CR-V offered various audio systems, from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system on the Sport Touring trim.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A three-month satellite radio trial was included, with options for a dashcam, head-up display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was responsive, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for convenience. Navigation required a Remote Connect subscription.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick designation and five stars for overall crashworthiness. The CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, while parking sensors were available above the EX level.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four stars in the NHTSA frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test. The NX 350h came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well, though the adaptive cruise control was slightly complex to operate.