Volkswagen Golf vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?

Volkswagen Golf

$38,690 - $71,990

2026 price

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Lexus RX

$101,200 - $111,100

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 5D Hatch

Mini Cooper

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Volkswagen Golf

2026 Lexus RX

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Practicality

Smooth & refined
Premium features
Family-friendly rear seat

Dislikes

Value
Ownership costs
Average warranty

Relatively short EV-only range
No spare tyre, just a repair kit
Raised rear seat cramped for tall people

2026 Volkswagen Golf Summary

Eight generations over more than half a century qualifies the Volkswagen Golf as an automotive icon, standing on the shoulders of its original beetle-shaped ancestor.

It remains one of the world’s favourite cars and this 110TSI Life version is the entry-point to the local model line-up, the latest ‘8.5’ version of which arrived here just over 12 months ago.

It sits in a hotly contested small-car category, appealing to those with a preference for a conventional hatch and pure internal-combustion power.

In an automotive world now dominated by increasingly electrified SUVs, we spent a week behind the wheel to see how it shapes up as an urban specialist with occasional open road ability.

@carsguide.com.au 2026 VW Golf’s practicality perk revealed! The Volkswagen hatchback might not be as popular as rivals like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Mazda3 or Kia K4, but it wins when it comes to useful features like this neat centre console arm rest! #volkswagen #golf #hatchback #cartok #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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2026 Lexus RX Summary

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volkswagen Golf 2026 Lexus RX

Verdict

Like the generations that preceded it, the current VW Golf 8.5 is a high-quality, comfortable and efficient small car. Add in good looks, space-efficiency, thoughtful practicality as well as class-competitive safety and you have the makings of a compelling package. The potential sticking point is this entry-level 110TSI Life’s value proposition in terms of included features relative to its purchase price and ongoing cost of ownership.

Verdict

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

Volkswagen Golf vs Lexus RX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volkswagen Golf vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?