2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Lexus RX

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 new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, 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. Despite its dated center stack, the interior was functional and luxurious, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life.

The 2021 Lexus RX continued the modern design aesthetic with a large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior featured sumptuous seating, perforated leather upholstery, and a bland center console. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The body changes from 2020 remained, including elongated headlights and a redesigned front end. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lights, rear privacy glass, and an integrated rear spoiler. Optional upgrades included 20-inch wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a heavy-duty heater. The F Sport Appearance package added unique wheels, black outer mirrors, and various F Sport-specific interior and exterior features. The interior was well-appointed with standard features like carpeted floor mats, chrome door handles, and NuLuxe-trimmed seats, with available upgrades like semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats. The center console design remained a sore point, with a dated appearance and traditional buttons.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The three-row RX 350L had slightly lower power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX achieved 23 mpg combined, with the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD getting 22 mpg combined, and the RX 350L AWD at 21 mpg combined. The RX 450h AWD was the most fuel-efficient at 30 mpg combined, with the RX 450hL at 29 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 F Sport provided a smooth driving experience with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snow without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, with AWD and RXL models slightly lower. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined the V6 with three electric motors for 308 horsepower, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), achieving 29-31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The 2021 RX featured tuning adjustments for improved suspension and handling, feeling planted in corners with some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model offering a bit more pep. The RX was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for AWD and 7.7 seconds for FWD, while the RX Hybrid matched the 7.9-second time but had a top speed of 112 mph.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar impeded some views. 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 RX-L versions.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was tight for any age. The RX had limited cargo space, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row RX offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. Competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V offered more cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free liftgate available.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. The system was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The touchpad system was improved but still not perfect. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The touch aspect of the screen worked well, but the operating system was not user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller was improved but still took up valuable space. Steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX had a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid were not tested by IIHS. NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. The RX came with a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors. The RX had two sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.