2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was aging.

Honda added its two-motor hybrid powertrain to the CR-V for the 2020 model year, along with updated styling, improved interior storage, standard Honda Sensing safety technology, and available wireless smartphone charging. For 2021, the CR-V Hybrid retained these features. The exterior looked similar to the gas-only variants, with "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, sophisticated LED fog lights, and a different rear bumper. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid had unique trim and instrumentation showing battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The paddles on the steering wheel managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard AWD, the CR-V Hybrid ranged from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim included features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, a premium sound system, parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The test vehicle, in Touring trim with Platinum White Pearl paint and ivory leather, cost $37,920 MSRP.

All 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had the same engine but were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, recommended to use 95 octane or higher gasoline. The RX 450hL, with the same engine setup, produced 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor, working with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Both hybrid models had an electronically-controlled CVT and all-wheel drive, with an additional motor on the rear axle adding 67 horsepower. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL taking slightly longer. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. F Sport models with the Handling Package had adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with Sport S+ and Customize modes for F Sport models. The RX 350 F Sport provided a smooth drive experience, with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snow without torque-vectoring technology.

Honda's two-motor hybrid technology in the 2021 CR-V Hybrid paired a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid had three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selected based on the situation, along with three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors amounted to 194 pounds, improving weight distribution and maintaining 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, with plenty of power, a smooth ride, and predictable handling. On the testing route, it returned 33.7 mpg, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined and the 39.7 mpg achieved by a RAV4 Hybrid. More city driving might have improved the result, but the RAV4 Hybrid didn't require special conditions to be efficient.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior wasn't as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. Four adults could fit comfortably in the two-row RX model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The supportive front seats provided hours of comfort, with the driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The front passenger's seat lacked height adjustment, but the rear seat room was remarkable, with ample space for adults and good leg support. The rear seat had air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports, with a flat floor accommodating three passengers. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up center console space. The CR-V Hybrid held 33.2 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat, down from the standard CR-V Touring's 37.6 cubic feet due to the battery pack. Maximum cargo space was 68.7 cubic feet, 7.1 cubic feet less than the standard CR-V Touring, and less than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, with a cluttered appearance and challenging screen customization. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Spotify, Pandora, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and WhatsApp compatibility provided workarounds. The touchscreen was easier to manage than the previous display screen, with improved responsiveness. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a standard CD player.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned for the 2017 model year, looked modern but performed poorly. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system took a long time to start. Voice-recognition technology was ineffective, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for voice commands. The navigation map display was cluttered, and HondaLink connected services were minimal. The CR-V Hybrid had dual 2.5-amp quick-charging ports for the rear seat, with 1.5-amp and 1-amp USB ports in the front. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with Touring trim but took up center console space. The Touring's nine-speaker premium audio sounded good, and the system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

Every 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. However, the system had connectivity issues during testing. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems worked smoothly and accurately, though the CR-V's technology was less advanced than some competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.