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Lexus NX vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus NX

2026 Lexus NX

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 1Lexus NX wins 4 of 5 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $1,500 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Tesla Model Y is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus NX has had fewer recall campaigns (18 vs 43).

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 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2021 NX and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 NX and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

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

Efficiency

40 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
42 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$2,050
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

275 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
5
183.5 in
Length
188.6 in
73.6 in
Width
78 in
65.7 in
Height
63.8 in
3,880 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

13
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
8
18
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
6
Owner complaints (latest year)
423

Interest

10,857
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2024
2024
Year to avoid
2023

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus NX if…

  • You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (18 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want more room (5 in longer)

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 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Lexus NX specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →