2021 Toyota 4Runner 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 NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior materials were of high quality, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, retained its rugged charm despite its age. Most versions had a bold, aggressive look, except for the chrome-laden Limited trim. The two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches gave it a timeless, utilitarian appeal. Toyota offered the 4Runner in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, which we tested. Priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, the Trail Special Edition added features like a premium audio upgrade, cargo cover, and TRD front skid plate, bringing the total to $43,729.

The Trail Special Edition came in limited colors and featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Inside, it had black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was dominated by hard plastic, fitting the SUV's rugged mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, and manual air conditioning. The 4Runner's simplicity and durability made it a long-lasting choice, provided gasoline stations remained available.

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 standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive 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 figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The available adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with part-time 4WD available. The Trail Special Edition did not offer automatic 4WD. The 4Runner had a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. On pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with challenging steering and braking. However, its off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to features like A-Trac, which helped navigate difficult terrain by braking spinning wheels and transferring power to those in contact with the ground.

The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, tackling mud, hills, and ruts with ease. Upgrading to the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro added features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control for even better off-road performance. Fuel economy was a weak point, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and 19 mpg highway. During testing, the 4Runner averaged 16.8 mpg, giving it an average range of about 385 miles with its 23-gallon fuel tank.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. While engine noise could be heard, road and wind noise were minimal, maintaining the typical Lexus quietness. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats 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 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, making entry challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and ample legroom in the back. The rear seats had air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, and the vehicle provided an open-air feeling with the sunroof and power windows. A third-row seat was available, but our test vehicle had a sliding cargo deck instead, which could hold up to 440 pounds. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack added extra storage capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was considered 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 Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an upgrade to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had limited technology features. It included a windshield wiper de-icer system and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, dynamic voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The system's physical shortcut buttons and knobs were easy to use, even with gloves, and the voice recognition technology was effective.

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, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as optional extras. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA gave the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, the IIHS rated the 4Runner's small overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver as Marginal, and the NHTSA gave the front passenger protection a three-star rating in a frontal-impact crash. These ratings reflected the SUV's older design and safety engineering.