Lexus RX vs Tesla Model Y

What's the difference?

VS
Lexus RX
Lexus RX

2024 price

Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y

$55,900 - $89,400

2025 price

Summary

2024 Lexus RX
2025 Tesla Model Y
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.5L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
5.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Noisy hybrid powertrain
  • Missing some standard gear
  • Firm ride

  • Drive mode selector is silly
  • Warranty below average
  • Feels very heavy when pushed
2024 Lexus RX Summary

The Lexus RX holds broad appeal. Families with a bit of money that don’t need a third seating row, older people who love the brand and want a bit of space, and people stepping up into the premium marque from a mainstream brand are all potential buyers. 

The fifth-generation version that launched in early 2023 proved to be a significant step up over the previous RX.

Lexus made it more dynamically capable, and there’s been a sharpened focus on refinement, value-for-money and safety credentials. 

We spent three weeks getting to know the most affordable RX - the entry-grade Lexus RX350h Luxury two-wheel drive - to see whether it’s worth putting it at the top of your premium family SUV shopping list.

View full pricing & specs
2025 Tesla Model Y Summary

I don’t think I’m overselling it to say that this is the car that could make or break Tesla in Australia and around the world. 

Crazy, right? That seemed impossible not so long ago, back when the brand appeared untouchable. But new competition, largely from China, plus the giant Musk-shaped elefant (it is German for elephant…) in the room, has seen sales and profit plummet.

Just last month, for example, the Tesla Model Y lost its best-seller crown in Australia to BYD, admittedly in the weeks before the new 'Juniper' version arrived.

The point is, a new version of its biggest seller is a Very Big Deal. But have they changed enough, and changed it well enough, to cut through the noise?

We put the cheapest variant, the Tesla Model Y RWD, to the test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Lexus RX 2025 Tesla Model Y

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