2026 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 presented a fresh take on its design with three distinct styles—Core, Rugged, and Sport—across seven trim levels. It adopted a blockier appearance, aligning with Toyota's other SUVs and trucks, while maintaining its signature boxy wheel arches and a bulge over the rear fenders reminiscent of the Highlander and 4Runner models. The RAV4's design was characterized by its boxiness, from the fascias to the hood and roof lines, with daytime running lights clipping the corners and a vertical tailgate bracketed by an integrated rear roof spoiler. The taillights resembled vertical slash marks narrowing towards the RAV4 badge, adding a unique touch to its rear design.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.9-inch touchscreen for higher trims. The interior felt more streamlined, despite the migration of climate controls to the touchscreen. The center console housed a mechanical gear shifter, except on XSE and Limited trims, which featured a slimmer electric shifter. The RAV4 offered flexible storage solutions, with removable cupholder separators and USB-C ports rated at 45 watts on top trims. Wireless device chargers were available on all but the base LE model, enhancing the vehicle's functionality and convenience.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels based on its powertrain, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with a standard panoramic glass roof and the new Matador Red Mica paint option. The TX retained its large grille, reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Roof rails provided additional storage options, while the interior featured two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown Peppercorn option. Despite its luxury status, the TX's material quality fell short, with basic plastic elements scattered throughout the cabin.

Lexus redesigned the door handles, opting for pressure-reactive handles on the outside and push-to-open handles inside. While this innovation was not a deal-breaker, it highlighted a lack of attention to detail in the cabin. The TX's interior offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row provided ample space for adults, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. However, folding the second row flat proved cumbersome, requiring a specific sequence of lever flips. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls, primarily on the screen, offered an Eco setting to conserve battery charge.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 boasted a more robust and efficient hybrid system than its predecessor. The RAV4 Hybrid introduced front-wheel drive, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, generating 226 horsepower—23 hp more than the previous gas-only RAV4 with FWD. All-wheel-drive models added a third motor for the rear axle, increasing output to 236 hp. The electric motor, with 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque, provided quick power off the line, supplementing the carryover four-cylinder engine rated at 183 hp and 163 lb-ft. The RAV4's electronic continuously variable automatic transmission offered smooth transitions, with paddle shifters on Sport models mimicking eight gear shifts. The RAV4 AWD excelled as a quiet, pleasant driver, with a suspension tuned for comfort and a light steering feel.

The Woodland trim, representing the Rugged style, featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, raising ground clearance to 8.5 inches. Standard AWD, a roof rack with cross bars, and a tow hitch with a 3,500-pound rating enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Woodland trim navigated a brief off-road course with ease, aided by a surround-view camera system and hill-descent control. Toyota expected the EPA to rate the 2026 RAV4 at 44 mpg combined with FWD and AWD, with top AWD trims achieving 42 mpg combined. The Woodland trim, with its taller ride height and all-terrain tires, was rated at 39 mpg combined.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, standard hybrid, and gas-only modes, with a charge mode using the gasoline engine to charge the battery. The TX's drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom—allowed for a tailored driving experience, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effortlessly. The AWD system distributed power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for wet and slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 maintained the same dimensions as its predecessor, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase and unchanged interior passenger space. Cargo volume increased slightly, offering 37.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 70.4 cubic feet with them folded down. The hatch opening was large and square, though it posed a challenge for small dogs. Toyota optimized the interior space with clever storage features, including a dashboard shelf for small devices and a wireless device charger on all but the base LE and SE models. The center console storage was versatile, with a flip-up cover and removable tray on Woodland trims. Deep door pockets accommodated large water bottles, and the RAV4 comfortably seated four passengers, though five was a squeeze.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. A one-touch button on the second row facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls, primarily on the screen, offered an Eco setting to conserve battery charge. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet accessible with all seats in place, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen on top trims. The new Arene operating system offered improved responsiveness and graphics, with customizable tiles on the touchscreen and a Voice Assistant responding to "Hey Toyota" prompts. A built-in dash cam recorded clips from exterior cameras, triggered by aggressive driving, with customizable recording settings.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though they occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view for obstacle detection. The Advanced Park system handled parking duties, and the rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view. The TX featured seven USB ports and wireless charging, with a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a safe-exit alert. The limited hands-free driving system allowed brief self-piloting on highways, with a driver monitor ensuring attention. The RAV4's safety enhancements aimed to maintain its strong safety record, with crash-testing results pending from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The NHTSA rated the TX 350 and 500h at five stars, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a "Good" score for the passenger’s side.