Compare

Lexus NX vs Porsche Macan

2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Porsche Macan — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus NX

2026 Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS1 – 3Porsche Macan wins 3 of 4 categories
Porsche Macan

2026 Porsche Macan

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

The Lexus NX is more fuel-efficient: 40 vs 21 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $1,350 a year less in fuel for the Porsche Macan (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Porsche Macan has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 18).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus NX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,880 lb (350 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Porsche Macan is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.9L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 185 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,098 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

Buying used? The 2021 NX and the 2022 Macan have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 NX and the 2017 Macan.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV, Premium Gasoline
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

40 MPG
Best combined MPG
21 MPG
42 city
City / highway MPG (best)
19 city
–
EV range
332 mi
$2,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$700

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
–
183.5 in
Length
185 in
73.6 in
Width
75.6 in
65.7 in
Height
63.8 in
3,880 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,098 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
–
0
Recalls (2026)
0
18
Recalls, all years since 2005
15
6
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

10,857
Wikipedia views, 30 days
15,358

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2022
2024
Year to avoid
2017

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus NX if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (40 vs 21 MPG)

Choose the Porsche Macan if…

  • You want an EV with more range (332 miles)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus NX

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Porsche Macan

  • Long EV rangeUp to 332 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 21 MPG combined, 30% below the 2026 small SUV average of 30.2 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Lexus NX specs →Full 2026 Porsche Macan specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →