2021 Honda HR-V vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in 2020. The 2021 model added standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's aggressive and distinctive styling appealed to SUV shoppers, although the interior lagged behind modern luxury standards with its plastic-like wood trim and abundant actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V featured a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its distinctive design included converging window lines near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims came with 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims offered push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with leather upholstery on the EX-L model.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight affected high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in low grip, body roll, and subpar ride quality. Despite lacking adaptive suspension in the Premium trim, the GX excelled in off-road capability with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Honda HR-V featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While AWD was available, FWD was standard. The HR-V's powertrain was underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was ineffective. Competitors offered more powerful engine options. However, the HR-V's chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Its AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX had three rows of seating for seven, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, less than competitors.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models) and 24.3 cubic feet with the seat up (23.2 for AWD). These figures surpassed many competitors. The HR-V also had ample rear-seat legroom, leading the segment, while front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large climate control knobs and an audio volume knob. The narrow center console was dominated by a large shift lever, and a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel made finding the perfect driving position easier.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It had two USB ports for the first two rows, but none for the third row. An available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a seven-segment display for time and temperature. However, analog controls for most functions were a refreshing change from screen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim had standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher offered a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was small compared to competitors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the base trim.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it got "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. The HR-V's Honda Sensing safety features were available only on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The rearview camera had dynamic gridlines on higher trims.