Lexus RX vs Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 50 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $500 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 RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
2015–2026
Hyundai Tucson
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 62 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus RX | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg | 50 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg | 49 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 34 mpg | 51 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,100 | $1,600 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 89 g/mi ✓ | 100 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular | Regular Gas and Electricity, Regular, Hydrogen |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 59 | 62 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RX vs Tucson: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus RX or the Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 50 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $500 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 $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the RX and Tucson offer?
Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5. Hyundai Tucson: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus RX and the Hyundai Tucson as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More RX comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-rx-vs-hyundai-tucson