2026 Buick Envista vs 2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Buick Envista was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir, with prices ranging from $26,495 to $31,295, including a $1,795 destination charge. The Sport Touring Studio Series test vehicle had no additional options and was priced at $31,855, including destination. The Envista's design was striking, with a trendy Ceramic paint option, although the interior revealed its affordability through the use of plastic, fake leather, and hard seats. The vehicle's lack of refinement was evident in the noises from the center armrest, turn signal stalk, and transmission shifter, reminding drivers of its budget-friendly nature.

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, creating a cohesive look. For 2026, the NX was offered in non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, with various trim levels. The F Sport Handling grade added sporty features, but the base NX 350 didn't fully meet luxury expectations. The interior, especially in the F Sport Handling trim, felt similar to high-end Toyota models, lacking the luxury feel expected from Lexus.

The 2026 Buick Envista's engineering matched its price, featuring a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It was only available in front-wheel drive, making it less versatile. The engine's performance was underwhelming, with noticeable turbo lag and a lack of horsepower at higher revs. Fuel efficiency was also disappointing, with an average of 28.1 mpg over 300 miles, falling short of the EPA rating. The six-speed automatic transmission was a saving grace, preventing the droning often associated with CVTs. However, the steering lacked precision, and the brakes felt rudimentary. The ride quality remained unsettled, even with the Studio Series upgrade.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX offered a variety of powertrain options. The NX 350 F Sport test car featured 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 standard all-wheel drive. Despite a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, the transmission's lethargy hindered real-world performance. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling options, with the latter boasting 304 horsepower and a 6-second 0-60 mph time. However, the F Sport Handling upgrade's firm dampers and lifeless steering detracted from the driving experience, and the ride quality was uncomfortable.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered easy entry and exit due to its higher seating position, though rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of the sloping roofline. The single-zone automatic climate control was basic but effective, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims. The front seats were hard but supportive, with power adjustment for the driver. Storage space was decent, though unlined surfaces caused items to rattle. Rear-seat passengers found the Envista accommodating, with generous legroom and a comfortable backrest angle. Cargo space was modest, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was closer to competitors, but headroom was limited. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The F Sport Handling spec included sport seats, which were comfortable but unnecessary. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2026 Buick Envista featured an 8-inch digital driver display and an 11-inch touchscreen housed within a single glass surface. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging was available but slow. OnStar Basics connected services were free for eight years, offering valuable features like automatic crash response. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, with convenient steering wheel controls for volume and tuning.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with 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 subscription options. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed, but fan speed adjustment was awkward. The voice recognition system offered some convenience but had limitations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, though it resembled older analog displays.

The 2026 Buick Envista offered basic driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Studio Series Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Envista received poor safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Poor rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and a Marginal headlight rating. The NHTSA hadn't released safety ratings at the time of writing.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering comprehensive driver-assist features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and more. Additional features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests. However, the NHTSA hadn't published safety ratings for the current-generation NX.