2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a rugged and angular design, a departure from its previous soft-roader styling. Its front fascia, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a tough, mechanical look. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested it was more than just a grocery-getter, capable of off-road adventures. The RAV4 Hybrid came in four trims: LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with adaptive headlights available only on the top trim. Inside, the design was simple and functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the Softex seats and interior materials were of good quality, though not as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX retained the sharp design lines and familial styling of the Lexus brand, similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. It had power-folding outside mirrors and standard 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels, giving it a sportier appearance. Inside, the F Sport models had exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared dated, with an elevated climate-control button setup and limited open small-item storage.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon, thanks to its 219-horsepower powertrain. This included a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, delivering power to all four wheels. The hybrid system provided smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds and featured standard trailer sway control. Its light steering and soft suspension ensured an easy driving experience, though it was less sporty than some small SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 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, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (optional 8-inch) positioned atop the center dashboard. The climate controls were simple and well-placed, and the center console offered ample storage, including an optional Qi wireless charging tray. The cabin was comfortable, with a spacious rear seat and impressive legroom. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, offering 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX had a stylish and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and good legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX offered 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These numbers were among the smallest in its class. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with both features standard across all trims. SiriusXM Radio was also standard, with a 3-month free trial. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system included a USB-A port on the dash, with additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. The Predictive Efficient Drive system improved hybrid efficiency by analyzing data from various sources. Drivers could select from Eco, Sport, Trail, and Normal drive modes, each affecting the vehicle's performance and efficiency.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen (optional 10.3-inch) with the Navigation package, which included predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. The infotainment system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX offered a Lexus Premium Audio system, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system on the top-tier model. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various vehicle functions remotely.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking assist with automated braking. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included 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, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as options. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety features and services.