2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX retained the sharp design lines and sculpted exterior that were characteristic of the Lexus family, making it look similar to both the smaller UX and the larger RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels, among other sporty enhancements.

Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, as expected from Lexus, but the gauge cluster and center stack design appeared somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, which, while interesting, felt more like a gimmick. The center stack's elevated climate-control buttons and the presence of a CD player added to the dated feel, and the layout left little room for open small-item storage.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced with a two-motor hybrid powertrain in 2020, continued unchanged for 2021. It looked much like its gas-only counterparts, with subtle differences like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The interior featured unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status and power distribution, and the steering wheel paddles managed regenerative braking. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all CR-V Hybrids came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Touring trim, tested here, included features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and wireless smartphone charging. The cabin, decorated with Ivory leather, offered a rich two-tone contrast, though the fake wood trim was a letdown. The test vehicle, priced at $37,920, included no further upgrades.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, available on the F Sport, made numerous adjustments for a smooth and engaging driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle, improving weight distribution and maintaining 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, with a smooth and predictable driving experience. However, it returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined and the 39.7 mpg achieved by a RAV4 Hybrid in similar conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a stylish and comfortable interior, with ample room for adults in both the front and rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats provided excellent support and adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered remarkable legroom, comparable to the Honda Accord, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. Cargo space was impressive, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink, but the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was limited, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential for a better experience. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and quick-charging USB ports for the rear seats.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with 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 also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The CR-V Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.