Head-To-Head Resale Comparison

Lexus NX vs Tesla Model Y: resale value, depreciation and costs

We put both model histories in one place, including 1,397 listing observations, while keeping their 2021 and 2026 market snapshots clearly separated.

By CarResaleValue Editorial · Updated August 2026 · Sources: observed used-car listings, EPA, NHTSA and RepairPal

The Short Answer

Two market snapshots, one buying decision

The Lexus NX data was observed in 2021, while the Tesla Model Y data was observed in 2026. The figures remain useful as model histories, but changing used-car conditions mean the five-year percentages are not a direct current-market ranking. Compare same-year prices and ownership factors before choosing.

Comparison Scorecard

The numbers that change the decision

Green cells mark a measurable advantage, not an overall verdict. Price and coverage are shown without declaring a winner because the right tradeoff depends on your budget and the exact vehicle.

Lexus NX vs Tesla Model Y resale value and ownership metrics
MetricLexus NXTesla Model Y
5-year value retainedShown from each model's own observation cycle65.8%48.4%
5-year depreciationEstimated share of original value lost34.2%51.6%
Average used asking priceMedian asking prices averaged across covered model years$29,119$34,668
Average original MSRPOriginal sticker prices averaged across covered years$40,053$53,637
Latest combined fuel economy2020 Lexus NX vs 2026 Tesla Model Y24 MPG121 MPG
Average annual repair costRepairPal model-level estimateNot availableNot available
RepairPal reliability ratingOut of 5.0Not availableNot available
Latest NHTSA overall rating2020 vs 20255 / 5 stars5 / 5 stars
Listing observationsEvidence behind the model-level curves1131,284

Year By Year

Compare overlapping model years

These 1shared model years make age-matched shopping easier. Depreciation compares each year's normalized asking price with its original MSRP.

Market-cycle note: the two columns were observed in different years. Use them as historical model profiles, not as simultaneous price quotes.

Shared model-year depreciation and median asking prices for the Lexus NX and Tesla Model Y
Model yearLexus NX depreciationLexus NX median priceTesla Model Y depreciationTesla Model Y median price
202012.7%$34,99052.3%$26,550

Buyer Fit

Which one should you buy?

Start with the tradeoff you care about, then verify the exact year, trim, mileage and service history. A model-level advantage can disappear when two individual used cars are not equivalent.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

  • You found a specific example with the stronger year, trim, mileage, condition or service history; those details can outweigh a model-level average.
  • Its $29,119 average median asking price fits your budget after you check the same-year rows below.
  • You want the broader context in its 6-model-year guide before narrowing the search to a trim and mileage band.
Research every Lexus NX model year

Choose the Tesla Model Y if...

  • You found a specific example with the stronger year, trim, mileage, condition or service history; those details can outweigh a model-level average.
  • Its $34,668 average median asking price fits your budget after you check the same-year rows below.
  • You want the broader context in its 7-model-year guide before narrowing the search to a trim and mileage band.
Research every Tesla Model Y model year

Beyond The Score

How these models fit the used market

Resale value is only one part of the choice. Segment role, supply and the mix of years on sale help explain why two similarly priced vehicles can depreciate differently.

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover offered with turbocharged gasoline and hybrid drivetrains.

Market context: A large source sample supports separate powertrain and trim observations where labels are available.

Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y coverage spans 2020-2026.

Go Deeper

Open the full model-year research

Compare trims, mileage, recalls, fuel costs and current listing examples before deciding on one specific car.

Lexus NX depreciation guideTesla Model Y depreciation guide

Keep Comparing

More comparisons for your shortlist

See how the Lexus NX and Tesla Model Y stack up against other close alternatives using the same resale-value framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which holds its value better, the Lexus NX or Tesla Model Y?

The available five-year figures come from different used-car market cycles: 2021 for the Lexus NX and 2026 for the Tesla Model Y. Because supply, incentives and used-car prices changed between those periods, CarResaleValue does not declare a direct winner from those percentages. Use the shared model-year table, repair data, fuel economy and current local listings to compare the vehicles on terms that match your purchase.

Is the Lexus NX or Tesla Model Y cheaper to buy used?

Across the model years in this dataset, the Lexus NX has the lower average median asking price at $29,119, about $5,549 below the Tesla Model Y average. That broad average is a starting point, not a like-for-like quote, because each model can have a different year range, trim mix and mileage distribution. The year-by-year table is the better place to compare vehicles of the same age before checking listings near you.

Which is less expensive to maintain, the Lexus NX or Tesla Model Y?

The available model data does not provide a complete annual repair-cost estimate for both vehicles, so this page does not name a maintenance-cost winner. Use the RepairPal ratings where shown, review recalls and complaints in each model-year guide, ask for service records, and budget for an independent pre-purchase inspection. Age, mileage, powertrain and previous maintenance usually matter more than a single broad reliability score.

How does CarResaleValue compare the Lexus NX and Tesla Model Y?

CarResaleValue normalizes observed used-car asking prices to a standard 12,000 miles per year, applies a 5% asking-to-sale adjustment, and compares the result with original MSRP references. A smoothed retention curve produces the five-year estimate when the data contains an observed five-year cohort. This page combines 1,397 listing observations across 13 model-year records, then adds EPA fuel economy, NHTSA safety data and RepairPal ownership indicators where available.

Comparison methodology

This page combines 1,397 listing observations across 13 model-year records. Asking prices are mileage-normalized to 12,000 miles per year, adjusted by a 5% asking-to-sale estimate, and compared with original MSRP references. Five-year figures use a smoothed curve only when an observed five-year cohort exists. EPA, NHTSA and RepairPal fields are shown independently and may cover different model years. Read the full CarResaleValue methodology. You can also browse the suv resale value ranking.