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The 2022 Lexus NX just got a major refresh. The NX’s design is based on the Toyota RAV4. Is the new 2022 Lexus NX worth buying over the 2021 Toyota RAV4? It’s time for the 2022 Lexus NX vs. the 2021 Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Lexus NX features luxury at a premium price

The 2022 Lexus NX just got a major refresh. That being said, it still has RAV4 roots. The NX may be much more luxurious, but is it really worth buying over a 2021 Toyota RAV4? Let’s explore how the two Japanese compact SUV models compare.

The 2022 Lexus NX uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 203 horsepower. Its estimated gas mileage has yet to be released.

According to Car and Driver, the new NX is expected to start at around $39,025. The previous model year included standard synthetic leather upholstery, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, keyless entry, and many more features that are likely to carry over into the 2022 model.

The new Lexus NX features a brand new infotainment system and gets rid of the dreaded trackpad. It includes a refreshed driver-centric cabin, a major improvement from the last model year’s cabin. Its exterior design features a new spindle grille in the front and a Lexus wordmark in the rear.

The 2021 RAV4 brings plenty of value at an affordable price

RELATED: 2022 Lexus NX: Which Trim Level is Best?

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 starts at just $26,350. That’s $12,575 less than a base model 2022 Lexus NX. To put that number into perspective, the NX is still $4,145 more than the RAV4’s highest trim level, the RAV4 Limited, and $1,595 more than the RAV4 Limited Hybrid.

The base model 2021 Toyota RAV4 uses the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that the Lexus NX uses. It gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The RAV4 comes with plenty of standard features like cornering brake control, lane departure warning, and electronic traction control. The RAV4 is one of the most popular SUVs on the market.

2022 Lexus NX vs. 2021 Toyota RAV4

A white 2022 Lexus NX is on display.
The 2022 Lexus NX | Isaac Buj/Europa Press via Getty Images

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When it comes to the 2022 Lexus NX vs. the 2021 Toyota RAV4, the RAV4 has the upper hand. The RAV4 has a long history of excellence, and Toyota has worked hard to keep it relevant by introducing new trims and packages. The 2022 Lexus NX is getting a plug-in hybrid, the NX450+, and it has a powerful turbocharged engine option, but the RAV4 is still more affordable and familiar.

The 2022 Lexus NX has the potential to be great, but even its entry-level model is extremely pricey. It provides value in great comfort and tech, but power comes at an even greater price. The NX has made some significant improvements for the 2022 model year, but it has a lot of consumers to convince before it can come close to the RAV4’s popularity.

RELATED: How Many Miles Will a Toyota RAV4 Last?

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