Why the Lexus Is a Better Buy
Shopping for a premium plug-in hybrid? Find out why you’re better off heading to the Lexus dealer than the Toyota showroom.
Whether buying a first hybrid or upgrading to a better PHEV, it makes good sense to do some research. The price associated with a premium PHEV is quite high, but it’s worth the money if you make the right choice.
Cost vs. Value
Some people assume that they’re better off going for the Toyota RAV4 Prime to save money, but the reality is that even the entry-level RAV4 PHEV has a starting MSRP of $43,865, for those who want extra comforts, a RAV4 Prime XSE costs over $50,000.
Given that a well-equipped RAV4 Prime costs as much as a luxury vehicle, some drivers may wonder if it’s worth switching to a true luxury brand. Lexus has a great option for those ready to make the switch.
A Lexus NX 450+ PHEV SUV costs more than a RAV4 Prime. However, you’ll get significantly better value for the money.
What the Two Vehicles Have in Common
You don’t have to head to the Lexus dealer to understand the similarities between the two PHEV SUVs. They’re both plug-in electric hybrids, meaning they can run on battery-only power for some time but also efficiently on gasoline.
The two PHEV SUVs share a 2.4L I-4 hybrid engine with dual electric motors. The hybrid platform functions well and puts out roughly 300 hp, better than either brand’s gas-only equivalent.
Performance Differences Between the RAV4 Prime and NX 450+
Interestingly, though the two vehicles share a hybrid engine, there are noteworthy differences in how they perform. The NX 450+ slightly outperforms the RAV4 Prime in several ways. It puts out 304 hp to the RAV4 Prime’s 302 and produces 176 lb-ft of torque to the Toyota PHEV’s 165.
The RAV4 PHEV has a mere 5 miles of electric-only range on the NX 450+, which means daily commuters can choose either vehicle without worrying about burning gasoline.
Where the NX 450+ Really Shines
The NX 450+ performs only slightly better than the RAV4 Prime, but it sits a world above its competitor on the comfort and convenience scales. The Lexus PHEV features higher-quality seats and materials, including multiple leather trim options, even at its lowest trim levels.
The Lexus PHEV’s interior styling is also more impressive than its competitors. The infotainment screen in the RAV4 Prime remains small and generic-looking, while the NX 450+’s infotainment system is much more advanced and well-integrated into the dash design.
The exterior styling for the Lexus PHEV SUV is also more eye-catching than the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime comes in only three standard colors and lacks the triple-beam LED headlights that come standard on the Lexus NX.
The Toyota RAV4 is set to be the best-selling vehicle of 2024, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best SUV for everyone. Drivers who don’t mind paying premium prices for higher-quality vehicles will find that the Lexus NX 450+ offers a much better value for the money.
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