2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 vs 2026 Lexus RX 350

$8,255 less vs 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $8,255 price gap, 278 vs 275 hp, 21 vs 24 MPG.

The short answer

The 4Runner SR5 leads on $8,255 less. The RX 350 leads on 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$8,255
Price Gap
3 HP
HP Diff
3 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Starts at $43,870
VS
Higher price
2026 Lexus RX 350
Starts at $52,125

Key Differences at a Glance

Horsepower
278 hp
vs
275 hp
Drivetrain
4WD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
21 MPG combined
vs
24 MPG combined
Curb Weight
4,685 lbs
vs
4,310 lbs
Fuel Tank
19.0 gal
vs
17.8 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$43,8704Runner SR5
$52,125RX 350
Horsepower
278 hp4Runner SR5
275 hpRX 350
Drivetrain
4WD4Runner SR5
AWDRX 350
City MPG
194Runner SR5
21RX 350
Highway MPG
254Runner SR5
28RX 350
Combined MPG
214Runner SR5
24RX 350
Fuel Tank
19.0 gal4Runner SR5
17.8 galRX 350
Curb Weight
4,685 lbs4Runner SR5
4,310 lbsRX 350
Length
194.9"4Runner SR5
192.5"RX 350
Width
78.0"4Runner SR5
75.6"RX 350
Height
72.6"4Runner SR5
67.3"RX 350
NHTSA Overall
4/5 stars4Runner SR5
5/5 starsRX 350
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k4Runner SR5
4yr/50kRX 350
Powertrain
5yr/60k4Runner SR5
6yr/70kRX 350
Corrosion
5yr/unlimited4Runner SR5
6yr/unlimitedRX 350
Roadside Assistance
2yr/25k4Runner SR5
4yr/unlimitedRX 350

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Toyota 4Runner SR52026 Lexus RX 350
Pricing
MSRP$43,870$52,125
Powertrain
Engine2.4L I4 Turbo2.4L I4 Turbo
Horsepower278 hp275 hp
Torque317 lb-ft317 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain4WDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1921
Highway MPG2528
Combined MPG2124
Fuel Tank19.0 gal17.8 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight4,685 lbs4,310 lbs
Wheelbase112.2"112.2"
Length194.9"192.5"
Width78.0"75.6"
Height72.6"67.3"
Safety
NHTSA Overall4/5 stars5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k6yr/70k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited6yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance2yr/25k4yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 starts at $43,870, $8,255 less than the 2026 Lexus RX 350 at $52,125. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $145/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5?

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is the stronger pick when you want to keep $8,255 in your pocket and the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Lexus RX 350 is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $250/year less on fuel.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 or 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Lexus RX 350 rates 24 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 or 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 produces 278 hp, 3 more than the 2026 Lexus RX 350 at 275 hp. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5, AWD on the 2026 Lexus RX 350.

Is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 bigger than the 2026 Lexus RX 350?

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is 2.4″ longer at 194.9″ vs 192.5″.

Do the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 and 2026 Lexus RX 350 have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 comes with 4WD, while the 2026 Lexus RX 350 uses AWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Toyota 4Runner comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Lexus RX offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Toyota trims, Toyota 4Runner trims, Lexus trims, Lexus RX trims

Official sources

How the 4Runner and RX Stack Up

Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 ($43,870) and 2026 Lexus RX 350 ($52,125) solve similar problems in different ways. The $8,255 gap adds up to $145/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: 4Runner vs RX

Both run the same 2.4L I4 Turbo engine. The 3 hp difference (278 vs 275) is marginal in daily driving. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5, AWD on the 2026 Lexus RX 350.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2026 Lexus RX 350 saves roughly $250/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,250.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 weighs 375 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 when you want to keep $8,255 in your pocket and the 2026 Toyota 4Runner SR5 covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Lexus RX 350 when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $250/year less on fuel. At $145/month more, the 2026 Lexus RX 350 needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Toyota or Lexus or any dealership.

Keep Exploring