Toyota RAV4 vs Lexus RX
The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $650 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Toyota RAV4 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Toyota RAV4
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Toyota RAV4 | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 36 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 47 mpg ✓ | 37 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 40 mpg ✓ | 34 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 72 g/mi ✓ | 89 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 59 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
RAV4 vs RX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Toyota RAV4 or the Lexus RX?
The Toyota RAV4 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 36 mpg for the Lexus RX, a 7 mpg advantage and costs about $650 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota RAV4 runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $650 per year.
What engines do the RAV4 and RX offer?
Toyota RAV4: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; PHEV. Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus RX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: toyota-rav4-vs-lexus-rx