2021 Honda HR-V vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport gasoline models, showcased a design that was both familiar and distinct within the Lexus family. Its sharp exterior lines and sculpted appearance were reminiscent of the smaller UX and larger RX models, maintaining a size comparable to the Toyota RAV4. Standard features included power-folding mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior, with excellent material fit and finish typical of Lexus. However, the interior design, particularly the gauge cluster and center stack, felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance, diverging from the traditional SUV look of its larger siblings like the CR-V and Pilot. Its distinctive styling included converging window lines near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model offering matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior, while plain, was functional and solid, with good material quality. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L offered features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery, enhancing the overall feel without reaching luxury levels.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, propelled the NX from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While the powertrain could become noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, influencing throttle response and steering assist. Its towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, with a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Honda HR-V, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the HR-V's powertrain felt underpowered for highway driving, its chassis provided a rewarding experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. The HR-V's AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrains, and it lacked towing capabilities. Despite its powertrain limitations, the HR-V offered decent ride quality, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The NX included a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to its "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench, providing 58.8 cubic feet of space (57.6 for AWD models) with seats down and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD) with seats up. This surpassed many competitors, offering ample room for passengers, especially in rear-seat legroom. While interior storage solutions were basic, the HR-V's controls were sensibly designed, with a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy driving position adjustments.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package, which included features like predictive traffic information and fuel station guidance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, providing remote access to various vehicle functions.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included Bluetooth, a 5-inch display, 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 straightforward, with USB ports conveniently located. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than many competitors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the base trim.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, and more. Optional features included park assist and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Honda HR-V earned top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its headlight ratings varied by trim. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The HR-V also featured Honda's LaneWatch, providing a camera view when the turn signal was activated.