Lexus NX vs Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 50 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Tucson leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 58 configurations

40mpg combined (best)
All Lexus NX specs

2015–2026

Hyundai Tucson

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 62 configurations

50mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Tucson specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricLexus NXHyundai Tucson
Best combined MPG40 mpg50 mpg
Best city MPG42 mpg49 mpg
Best highway MPG38 mpg51 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,900$1,600
Lowest CO2 output87 g/mi100 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6)Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Regular, Premium and ElectricityRegular Gas and Electricity, Regular, Hydrogen
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20262015–2026
Configurations on record5862

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

NX vs Tucson: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Lexus NX or the Hyundai Tucson?

The Hyundai Tucson is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 50 mpg combined versus 40 mpg for the Lexus NX, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $300 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Tucson runs about $1,600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,900 for the Lexus NX — a difference of roughly $300 per year.

What engines do the NX and Tucson offer?

Lexus NX: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 2.5. Hyundai Tucson: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus NX and the Hyundai Tucson as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More NX comparisons

Comparison id: lexus-nx-vs-hyundai-tucson