DecodedCarsLexus RX vs Tesla Model Y
2026 Lexus RX vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,750 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lexus RX is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus RX has had fewer recall campaigns (26 vs 43).
The two cars
The 2026 Lexus RX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,288 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 2022 RX and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 RX and the 2023 Model Y.
| 2026 Lexus RX | 2026 Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | EV |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| NHTSA overall | Not rated | Not rated |
| Best combined MPG | 36 MPG | – |
| City / highway MPG (best) | 37 city | – |
| EV range | – | 357 mi |
| Fuel cost per year (EPA) | $2,300 | $550 |
| Horsepower (most powerful) | 275 hp | – |
| Seats (most) | 5 | 5 |
| Driver-assist features standard | 12 | 12 |
| Length | 192.5 in | 188.6 in |
| Width | 75.6 in | 78 in |
| Height | 67.3 in | 63.8 in |
| Curb weight (lightest) | 4,288 lb | 4,363 lb |
| Recalls (2026) | 3 | 8 |
| Recalls, all years since 2005 | 26 | 43 |
| Owner complaints (latest year) | 12 | 423 |
| Wikipedia views, 30 days | 22,684 | 33,157 |
| Best used year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Year to avoid | 2017 | 2023 |
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lexus RX if…
- You want more room (4 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (26 vs 43 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Tesla Model Y if…
- You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
- You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Lexus RX
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 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.
- Modest powerUp to 275 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2026 models.
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 RX specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →