2021 Lexus RX 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 review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus' familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport added a sportier appearance with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, featuring a familiar gauge cluster with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack also showed its age, with an odd layout and limited open small-item storage. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a functional and comfortable interior.

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX F Sport was the most performance-focused, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid offered extended bodies and a third row of seating. Changes made to the body for the 2020 model year, including elongated headlights and a redesigned front end, remained for 2021.

Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, and rear privacy glass. The F Sport Appearance package added 20-inch F Sport wheels, black outer mirrors, and unique fascia. Inside, the RX was nicely appointed with standard features like carpeted floor mats, NuLuxe-trimmed seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Available upgrades included semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-folding third row. The center console design, however, was dated and less appealing compared to newer models.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in newer models. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system allowed up to 50 percent 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, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering was numb.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth but occasionally struggled to find the right gear under acceleration. The FWD RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy.

The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering 308 horsepower and standard AWD. These models achieved 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7-7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph for gas models and 112 mph for hybrids.

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 configuration. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seats were spacious, but the third row was tight. The RX's cargo space was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. Upgrades included a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch screen available. Standard technology included dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included trip-zone automatic climate control, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The RX's infotainment system was functional but dated, with a touchpad controller that took up valuable center console space.

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 safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus RX also came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a pre-collision system with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and cyclist detection. Other standard safety features included automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, though the RXL and hybrid models were not tested by IIHS.