2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 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 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 RX offered a variety of interior colors and materials, 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. The cabin was well-appointed with leather-wrapped surfaces, though the center stack's design was aging.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, as tested, was almost fully loaded, bringing the MSRP to $42,083. Despite its high price, it looked similar to a standard RAV4. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough appearance but could benefit from larger wheels. Inside, it was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some hard plastics. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. Storage was accommodating, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. 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 450h and RX 450hL had all-wheel drive with an additional motor on the rear axle, adding 67 horsepower. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL being slightly slower. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models had adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, generating 219 horsepower. The front electric motor produced 149 pound-feet of torque, and the rear motor generated 89 pound-feet. The RAV4 Hybrid had several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, with instant electric-motor torque providing lively acceleration. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The CVT operated transparently, and the regenerative braking system was smooth. The RAV4 Hybrid had a MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear suspension, and Active Cornering Assist. It handled well but had low-grip tires. The RAV4 Hybrid was comfortable as a daily driver and capable off-road with 8.1 inches of ground clearance.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors but was functional. 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. 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats provided decent legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-arranged, with large climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's premium sound system's subwoofer took up some cargo space, and the all-weather mat was clunky.

The 2020 Lexus RX had an 8.0-inch display and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, moved closer to the driver for easier use. The infotainment system was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped. The center console 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was easy to use, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The dynamic voice recognition was fast and accurate, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory. The RAV4 Hybrid also had a 360-degree camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had 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 the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. It also had automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. Rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.