"Stuffed" RAV4 vs Lexus NX200 in the base? Comparison
Despite the fact that they are brothers in terms of base, platform, some components, and the Lexus brand is owned by Toyota, these are two completely different models of completely different level. Toyota RAV4 is a mass crossover with the purpose to have ideal price-quality ratio, and Lexus NX200 is luxury in all its attire. Nevertheless, why not compare these two cars, given that the top - the most "stuffed" Toyota RAV4 configuration costs about the same as the base Lexus NX200.
So, it would seem, having already chosen Toyota as an ideal car for the family and not even looking at the limited budget for premium models, however, do not swing at the base of Lexus, adding to the needs of a little vanity and a little more self-love and elementary ponces? Let's compare top-end RAV4 and base Lexus NX200 and choose which is better!
It would seem that the more the volume of the power unit and the cost of the car itself, the better it is. However, we found out that the Lexus NX 200 loses to the Toyota RAV4, because the crossover has neither sufficient ground clearance, nor decent dynamics.
The price range for the new RAV4 is quite wide, starting at 19 thousand dollars and going up to 33 thousand dollars in the Prestige Safety package. And once you get to the maximum price tags, you'll see that there may be competitors in the premium segment for Toyota at almost the same cost - the Lexus NX200 starts at 32.7 thousand dollars - even slightly cheaper than the "stuffed" Toyota.
Having debuted in 2014, the NX is one of Lexus' new nameplates. It's a lineup just below the venerable RX model, and in this crazy time of crossover popularity, it's the Lexus NX that serves as the most attractive starting point for those who want to own a true Lexus.
In its fourth generation, the RAV4 received a facelift in 2016, making it more like its "rich brother." And that's not a bad thing - with sharper angles and a refreshed interior, it looks much more compact than the 2013-15 modification, and gives it an edge against its main rival, the Honda CR-V.
Engines
Under the hood of the Lexus NX 200 there is a 150-horsepower engine with a capacity of 2.0 liters, which interacts with a variator and front-wheel drive. This motor allows the "premium" to accelerate in 12,3 seconds up to the first "hundred". As to power equipment of Rav4, it concedes "Lexus" a little in terms of capacity and fuel consumption - 7,4 liters against 7,2 for each 100 kilometers. However, the 146-horsepower engine accelerates to a "hundred" in 11.1 seconds, which puts the Toyota RAV4 in the lead.
The basic Lexus NX200 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine without turbos and with less power than the Rav4. This engine Lexus turns 150 horsepower, which is enough to accelerate the car to 100 km / h in 12 seconds - about as budget sedans. The top speed of the Lexus is the same as that of the Toyota - 180 km/h.
Most likely, it is the total mass. The Toyota RAV4 weighs 1,600 kg and the Lexus NX 200 weighs all of 1,705 kg.
Interior
Inside, the Toyota RAV4 in our package has a well-equipped interior with leather and soft-touch interior materials galore. As you may have noticed from the name of the configuration, the main emphasis in it is made on safety. And in this respect, it has everything - from dual-zone climate control to a wide set of cleverest assistants.
Once inside the NX200, you'll immediately realize that you've sacrificed technical features so much for good reason, because there's plenty of luxury here! Simplicity and at the same time well thought-out interior elements, expensive leather, aluminum accents - this is everything that makes the NX200 luxurious at a rather low for a premium price.
Verdict
No one builds cars as much for the average everyday person as Toyota. Its models are rarely the most desirable in terms of design in almost any segment, but their combination of safety, practicality and reliability has allowed the brand to go mainstream for decades and remain the best-selling car brand in the world. And the RAV4 is the brand's most popular parkettes. But the disadvantage is that you will lose your car in the parking lot every time among other "Ravs". Well, and about the ponces, of course, we will not talk.
But if you value safety, practicality, the ideal ratio of quality and price, and the car you want just a means of transportation, not luxury, then Toyota RAV4 in the maximum configuration - your choice.
When Toyota launched its premium Lexus brand back in 1989, the company immediately began to take care, and continues to take care to this day, that the brand is valued not as a mass brand, but exactly as a luxury brand. If Toyota competes with the same Japanese, the NX is one of the best offerings in the luxury segment, holding the bar against Mercedes, BMW and Audi. That in itself makes buying a Lexus a step toward wealth.
If it is important for you to appear rich (and even a little richer than you really are), you like to stand out among the mass of cars on the road and catch the infrequent, but still envious glances of others, then Lexus NX200 is what will satisfy your desires.
