2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Lexus NX

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior of the 2020 RX featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights. The SUV’s grille was altered to resemble the face on Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The cabin of the RX continued to be well-appointed with a variety of interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique elements like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its dated center stack, the RX maintained a premium feel with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life.

For 2021, Lexus offered three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models retained a familiar appearance with sharp design lines similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The F Sport variant featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport models had quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster that included a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared outdated, and the G-Force meter, though based on technology from the Lexus LFA supercar, felt more like a gimmick.

All 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. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor to produce 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL, with its elongated version, had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX took around 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, with fuel economy ranging from 21 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the model. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, including Sport S+ for a firmer suspension setting.

The 2021 NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. Fuel economy for the NX 300 ranged from 24 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the drivetrain. The F Sport variant included an adaptive suspension system and Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, with a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The interior of the 2020 Lexus RX was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The front seats were comfortable and provided good visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a power liftgate with kick sensor technology. However, the cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the smallest in its class. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, though engine noise could be noticeable.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model year. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist were also standard. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the Enform Safety Connect system had connectivity issues during testing.

The 2021 Lexus NX also featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with standard equipment including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist and a surround-view camera system as options. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.