Lexus NX Hybrid vs Toyota Crown Signia

The 2021 Lexus NX compact SUV is showing its age. It’s not an inherently bad vehicle, but with a design that dates back to the 2015 model year, it’s struggling to keep pace with fresher competition—including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60—and can’t justify its positioning as a premium product.

Lexus offers the gasoline-only NX 300 and the NX 300h hybrid, but we’ll focus on the latter for this review. The big news for the 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a new F Sport Black Line special edition, which adds sportier F Sport styling features that normally aren’t available on the hybrid. It also comes with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Other changes include additional standard driver aids and "low-profile" windshield wipers.

We tested the Black Line for this review, but with production limited to 1,000 units, it will likely be sold out by the time you read this. However, it’s mechanically similar to the regular-production NX 300h hybrid trim levels—base and Luxury.

However, should you accept both the period Netflix series moniker and Toyota’s assertion that the 2025 Crown Signia is an upscale crossover SUV instead of a station wagon (with a blizzard-battling 6.7 inches of ground clearance), you’ll find plenty to like about this latest addition to the company’s lineup. The important thing to keep in mind about the new Toyota Crown Signia is that it’s a lifestyle vehicle for people who don’t go off-road, don’t care about thrilling driving dynamics, and want a Lexus hybrid without paying a luxury-brand premium. If that describes you, check out the new Crown Signia.

Verdict: Stylish, comfortable, and equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, the five-passenger Crown Signia is one of the most appealing Toyota SUVs money can buy.