Toyota Yaris Cross vs Lexus NX300
What's the difference?

Toyota Yaris Cross

$31,790 - $41,280

2026 price

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Lexus NX300

$29,990 - $46,895

2020 price

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Summary

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross

2020 Lexus NX300

By Emily Agar

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.8L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Cute exterior packaging
Park it anywhere
Hybrid boost hides low outputs

Styling
Frugal engine
Classy interior appointments

Dislikes

Cabin is ageing
Missing some features for price point
Model-year upgrades are too modest

Dated multimedia system
Narcoleptic driving dynamics
Old-gen tech

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross Summary

Toyota’s smallest SUV has picked up a few subtle styling and tech tweaks as part of a minor model year update.

It goes up against familiar names like the Nissan Juke and Kia Stonic in the light SUV segment, as well as hybrid rivals like the newer Suzuki Fronx and Chery Tiggo 4.

But does the Toyota still have enough appeal this late in its life cycle?

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2020 Lexus NX300 Summary

Having been on the market since 2014, the NX mid-size SUV quickly shot up the Lexus sales charts to become the brand’s most-popular model.

The SUV-hungry Australian market ate up the premium crossover, which also had the distinction of offering a hybrid powertrain.

In 2020 though, with SUVs popping up left, right and centre from premium and mainstream brands, can the NX still hold its own as an inner-city cruiser?

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Interested in a Lexus NX300?

Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota Yaris Cross 2020 Lexus NX300

Verdict

The Toyota Yaris Cross Urban is a city-savvy SUV that’s easy to park, nimble in traffic, and relatively fun to drive. It’s cute as a button on the outside, but the cabin doesn’t quite match the price, and some of the tech feels a little behind the times compared to rivals. The hybrid powertrain definitely earns it points but is it worth the jump in price over its rivals? A hesitant yes, because who doesn't like efficiency? But it needs a cabin upgrade to stay truly competitive in our market.

Verdict

The Lexus NX 300h F Sport is both a comfortable and luxurious family hauler that is held back by just a few things.

Of course, gripes like the underwhelming dynamics might not be an issue for all, but the less-than-stellar fuel economy (for a hybrid, at least), disappointing practicality and fiddly multimedia will affect all potential buyers.

However, this is balanced out by loads of equipment and premium appointments for a reasonable price, which should put the Lexus NX on your shopping list if you are keen for an inner-city premium SUV cruiser.

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Lexus NX300 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Lexus NX300
What's the difference?