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Comparing the Lexus NX & Toyota RAV4


How similar is the Lexus NX to the Toyota RAV4? As Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato explains to Automotive News, 90% of the parts used are different:

From the center to the rear is basically new, with no commonized parts. The front bumpers and crash box are totally different. But while the inside rocker panel is reinforced, the outside structure is the same.

For some parts, there was no need to change. We could carry over the wheelbase because the RAV has a good package, with good legroom. But things like the suspension bushings are different. We used the same geometry of suspension, but all the parts are different.

Things like the rear suspension members were retooled to make a tighter chassis. We retooled all the RAV tooling to make it more severe, with better fit and rigidity. The accuracy of the parts was very important, to get the body rigidity tighter.

Read more about the NX at Automotive News

Lexus NX: First Generation
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    corradoMR2
  • July 28, 2014
From experience with the current gen RAV4, it's a solid offering in its segment which excites me knowing how much better the NX is.
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    Ah_Clem
  • February 14, 2015
The current generation RAV4 is a great place to start. It has just 1/2 cubic foot less cargo area than the bigger Highlander. I can't imagine buying the Highlander for roughly $10 grand more, unless the towing capacity is higher, and if it's needed. Much better MPG with the 4 cyl RAV4, and rides really good, and plenty of room. RAV4 feels like it has more power than 187 hp. It has a very low cargo floor, which is great. Should be the same in the NX. I'd drive the Limited RAV4 before buying the NX. You might be surprised. Maintenance costs are about half with the Toyota.

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