UPDATED 4/24

Thanks to everyone for the votes and suggestions. Here's my review of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium --

https://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/sl...-thing-1006101













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Hey, Guys! I've got to write up a review later tonight or early tomorrow morning for this week's ClubLexus newsletter, and I was wondering which might be more interesting to the members...

2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium

• Base 2.4L Turbo, not a hybrid
• 4WD, locking rear diff, upgraded shocks
• Upgraded SoftTex interior and most of the bells & whistles
• Is this the Goldilox model in the 4Runner lineup?

2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

• First year that the F Sport Handling with the upgraded looks, seats, and active suspension on the hybrid
• 2.5L hybrid with the eCVT (not the plug-in)
• Stunning red color
• Can a fuel-economy-focused crossover actually be fun?

 

the 4Runner is clearly the more interesting vehicle.

 

yes 4Runner please

 

4Runner for me between those

 

I would take the 4Runner. My wife would choose the NX.

 

4Runner.

I really like the way the new one looks. Just not a 4 cyl guy though. An updated 1GR-FE is what should be in the engine bay.

 

The 4Runner gets my vote.

 

4Runner please...

 

4Runner for sure.

 

As an NX owner, I'd say 4 Runner. I also think this is part of the current problem with Toyota Motors. The Toyotas are more interesting, better designed and a generation newer than the Lexus model.
See Camry - ES, NX - RAV, Grand Highlander - TX. Compare the gauge cluster in a Corolla Cross to the RX.

 

i pick NX, just to see how you can make it interesting !

 

Thanks to everyone who commented and voted! Updated the OP with a link to my TRD Off-Road Premium review -- https://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/sl...-thing-1006101

The NX 350h F Sport coverage will be out in a week or two.

For that one, I ended up with almost 39 mpg over 150 miles of testing, which was only a 1/4 tank of gas, hahaha. But with an adaptive performance suspension, it kinda drives like a German hot hatch, so it's (shockingly) fun to drive.

I also have the Prius Nightshade in and it is... definitely not a Lexus.

 

I hear you. I'd argue that Lexus still has the upper hand when it comes to ride quality and ride refinement (less NVH), but I agree, the Toyotas are more stylish and interesting. Although in this case, the NX is still the previous generation, it's one of the final spindle grille models, as it hasn't gotten the next-gen update from the RAV.