10 Alternatives To The Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid is finally available in the US, and is very likely to continue being one of the Japanese brand’s top-selling models. The NX 350h range has been a consistently competitive product in the premium midsize SUV segment, thanks to its ability to merge quality with efficiency and reliability. It is admittedly an expensive product, so if you have a varying budget, there are some compelling alternatives for you to consider. The 2026 model year also brings a new trendy F Sport trim and a front-wheel drivetrain option, resulting in a lower MSRP.

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 2-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 189 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 179 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type: Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Make: Lexus
Model: NX
Segment: Compact Luxury SUV

Pricing for the current Lexus NX hybrid range starts at $44,175 for the base model before delivery fees. Upgrading to the Premium costs $46,100, while the Luxury sits in the middle of the range with a $50,240 starting price. The F Sport Handling costs $52,650. All-wheel drive increases the price by $1,550. If the NX is not suited to your liking, these are 10 compelling alternatives that you can consider instead.

To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources. Models are listed from the lowest starting MSRP to the highest.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $36,150

Base Trim Engine: 1.6L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 231 HP @5500 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 271 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 36/35/36 MPG
Make: Hyundai
Model: Santa Fe Hybrid
Segment: Midsize SUV

Infotainment & Features

8 /10

The new Santa Fe Hybrid maintains the previous model’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and single-electric motor configuration, but with an increased 227-horsepower output, available with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system. The EPA indicates that the model will return a 34 to 36 MPG result, depending on which drivetrain you opt for.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid range starts with the SE model, priced at $36,150, followed by the $38,440 SEL. Upgrading to the Limited trim will cost you $45,450. The Calligraphy, which is the most apt rival for the NX, sits at the very top of the range with a $48,450 starting price.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressive acceleration speeds Spacious interior setting Plush ride	Certain fussy controls Stiff brake pedal Cumbersome touchscreen

Kia Sorento Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $38,890

Base Trim Engine: 1.6 L/98
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy: 36/36/36 mpg (FWD) | 34/34/34 mpg (AWD)
Make: Kia
Model: Sorento Hybrid
Segment: Midsize SUV

The 2026 Sorento Hybrid features the group’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 261 horsepower, depending on which electrification system you opt for. The most frugal model returns 43 MPG on the combined cycle and covers 589 miles on a single tank.

Kia kicks its Sorento Hybrid range off at $38,890 for the base EX derivative. Following this is the flagship $47,190 X-Line SX Prestige AWD, which again is a Lexus-rivaling trim.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressive acceleration abilities Composed ride Abundance of interior space	Not the most frugal option Don’t expect much from the driving experience Questionable design

Toyota Crown Signia

Starting MSRP: $44,090

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L Dynamic Force I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 188 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 178 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 39/37/38 MPG
Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined): 39/37/38 mpg
Make: Toyota
Model: Crown Signia SUV

The Crown Signia features the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine with a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous motors that drive all four wheels with a 240-horsepower combined output. Toyota doesn’t declare a combined torque output, but we know that the engine produces 163 pound-feet, while the motors twist out 89 pound-feet at the front and 199 pound-feet at the rear. Toyota claims that this will cover a zero to 60 MPH sprint in 7.1 seconds before reaching a 125 MPH top speed limit.

I was greeted by a firm chassis, an impressive level of grip and more than enough performance to get this large wagon flying through southern California’s mountain roads.

– William Clavey, TopSpeed Editor-at-Large

The range starts with the $44,090 XLE. Upgrading to the Limited will cost you $48,490. This adds the 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, together with a digital rearview mirror, digital smartphone-based key system, better LED exterior lighting, and larger 21-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it’s a close match to the NX in terms of standard features and interior quality, but it is a bit more compact.

Strengths	Weaknesses
High interior quality level Attractive exterior design Efficient drivetrain	Noisy at higher revs Limited rear visibility Smaller than it looks

Toyota Grand Highlander

Starting MSRP: $44,710

Base Trim Engine: 2.4L I-4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 265 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 21/28/24 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Toyota
Model: Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower; the turbocharged 2.4-liter i-Force Max generates 362 horsepower. The base entry-level Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid front-wheel drive option covers an EPA-estimated 619 miles on a single tank of gas and also returns a reasonably impressive 36/37/37 MPG estimate.

The Grand Highlander is also butter-smooth and supremely quiet inside, boasting near Lexus levels of refinement. I’m very impressed by how well Toyota masters hybrid technology.

– William Clavey, TopSpeed Editor-at-Large

The range starts with the basic LE derivative, boasting a $44,710 starting price. Following this is the XLE derivative, which costs $45,880 before options. The Platinum Max trim sits at the very top, with its $59,275 MSRP. If you want to upgrade to the all-wheel drive system, also available for all trims, you have to increase your budget by $1,600. Toyota also adds a mandatory $1,450 delivery, processing, and handling fee to all Grand Highlander Hybrid sales.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Spacious interior Lots of standard equipment Plush ride	Noisy engine Slow off the line Third-row legroom is tight

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starting MSRP: $46,820

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L I-4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 2-speed CVTi-S CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 186 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 175 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 35/35/35 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Make: Toyota
Model: Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features the brand’s naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 175 pound-feet at 4,400 RPM in isolation. Toyota pairs this system with three permanent-magnet synchronous electric drive units located at the front and rear axles, increasing the combined output to 243 horsepower.

The Highlander Hybrid range starts with the XLE, priced at $46,820. Toyota has also added a Nightshade trim based on the XLE derivative for $47,820. The Limited sits in the middle of the range at $51,275. Toyota also offers a 25th Edition trim based on this model, with unique monikers and trimmings, for $53,480. The Platinum sits at the very top of the range at $54,475.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Respectable fuel consumption returns No shortage of safety features Comfortable and silent ride	The third row could do with more space Limited cargo room Lacks composure through corners

Lexus RX 350h

Starting MSRP: $51,125

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 2-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 183 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 233 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 37/34/36 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Make: Lexus
Model: RX

The RX 350h Hybrid features the Toyota Group’s turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and one permanent-magnet motor. This generates a combined 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet to all four wheels using a direct-drive eCVT. You can expect the most efficient model to cover 619 miles on a single tank and return a 36 MPG consumption rating on the combined cycle.

Lexus sells the RX 350h in six different trims, starting with the base derivative at $51,125. Upgrading to the Premium costs $53,375, while the Premium Plus increases the price to $56,865. The Luxury sits in the middle of the range with a $61,920 starting price. The F Sport Design costs $55,705, but the Performance package increases the price to $64,800.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressively fuel efficient Proven reliability Plush and spacious interior	Not the sportiest SUV Limited rear seating Inconsistent braking performance

Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid

Starting MSRP $56,995

Base Trim Engine: 2L I-4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 250 HP @5500 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 21/29/24 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Lincoln
Model: Nautilus

The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous motors, sending a combined 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet to all four wheels via a direct-drive eCVT system. On the efficiency front, the Nautilus Hybrid is impressive, but not necessarily class-leading. The EPA estimates that this model consumes 30/31/30 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle and achieves a 600-mile range.

Pricing for the Nautilus kicks off at $53,360 for the base Premiere trim, plus an up-charge for the HEV drivetrain, increasing the MSRP to $56,995. The $65,595 Reserve hybrid model is next in line, while the Black Label hybrid sits at the very top of the range with a $80,130 starting price.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Attractive exterior design Composed ride quality Tasteful and spacious interior	Odd brake feel Not that fun to drive Some interior vibrations

Toyota Land Cruiser

Starting MSRP: $57,200

Base Trim Engine: 2.4L Turbo Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 22/25/23 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Lead acid battery
Make: Toyota
Model: Land Cruiser
Segment: Full-Size SUV

The Toyota Land Cruiser features the i-Force MAX HEV drivetrain, which consists of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The system sends a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet to the aforementioned four-wheel-drive system.

Power from the turbocharged engine is abundant, but it’s best appreciated while already at speed, at which point pick-up acceleration is quick and swift.

– William Clavey, TopSpeed Editor-at-Large

The EPA estimates that this model consumes 22/25/23 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle and achieves a 412-mile range, thanks to the 17.9-gallon tank and 1.67-kWh battery pack. Toyota only sells two iterations of the Land Cruiser, starting with the base 1958, priced at $57,200 MSRP. The standard Land Cruiser costs $63,275.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressive on and off-road Unique exterior styling Smooth ride	Limited cargo space Poor braking performance Cumbersome handling

Toyota Sequoia

Starting MSRP: $64,025

Base Trim Engine: I-FORCE 3.4L Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Other
Base Trim Horsepower: 437 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque: 583 lb.-ft. @ 2400 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined): 21/24/22 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type: Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Make: Toyota
Model: Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia features the Japanese brand’s hot-vee twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 powertrain, connected to a single permanent-magnet motor and 10-speed automatic, resulting in a combined 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This covers zero to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds and returns an EPA-estimated 20 to 22 MPG on the EPA’s combined cycle, depending on which drivetrain you’ve selected.

Pricing for the range starts at $64,025 for the bare-bones SR5 trim. Following this is the $69,795 Limited, $80,035 Platinum, $80,765 TRD Pro, $80,850 1974 Edition, and the flagship $84,435 Capstone model, which we argue surpasses the Lexus NX in terms of refinement and luxury.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Generous interior space High towing capacity Reliable and tough	Admittedly expensive Fuel economy is not the best Not the best around tight corners

Lexus TX 500h F-Sport

Starting MSRP: $69,160

Base Trim Engine: 2.5L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 275 hp
Base Trim Torque: 317 lb-ft
Make: Lexus
Model: TX
Segment: Midsize Luxury SUV

The Lexus TX 500h features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a dual permanent-magnet motor configuration. This produces a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet, affording it up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The EPA estimates that it’ll cover 481 miles on a single tank and return a 27 MPG combined fuel consumption estimate.

Lexus only offers the TX in its F Sport Performance guise. The Premium derivative costs $69,160, which increases to $79,510 if you upgrade to the Luxury trim. This is a noteworthy step up from the NX, so you’d only be able to consider it if you have a very flexible budget.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressive acceleration speeds Spacious interior setting Plush ride	Certain fussy controls Stiff brake pedal Cumbersome touchscreen

10 Alternatives To The Lexus NX Hybrid