2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX came in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. Our focus was on the gasoline models of NX 300 and 300 F Sport. The NX F Sport, in particular, featured a performance-oriented trim that added sportiness to the traditional luxury SUV design. Lexus carried over its sharp design language, which linked it visually to both the smaller UX and the larger RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels.

The F Sport variant enhanced its sportiness with distinct touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, a chrome-trimmed lower bumper, and larger exhaust openings. It rode on 18-inch F Sport wheels that came with all-season or summer tires.

Internally, the NX F Sport showcased exclusive NuLuxe sport seats that could be optioned in Circuit Red, adding a bold flair to other traditional choices like Black and Arctic White/Black combinations. The material fit and finish were commendable, keeping in line with Lexus's reputation. The gauge cluster was a familiar four-dial setup with a 3D speedometer and tachometer displays, along with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, compared to models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 2021 Nissan Rogue, it appeared somewhat outdated.

The center stack was another design element that showed its age, featuring an elevated layout with a rare CD player and a unique arrangement of climate-control buttons. This design, while functional, limited the storage space between the driver and passenger, relegating small-item space to the cup holders.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited we examined sported a comprehensive set of features, which pushed its price up to $42,083. Despite being fully loaded, it visually resembled the more basic rental-car versions. Toyota didn’t offer larger wheels for this hybrid variant, which would have enhanced its presence.

The RAV4 Hybrid maintained a tough, "cute-ute" demeanor, but could have benefited from bolder wheels. For those seeking a more refined look, the 2021 Toyota Venza, a polished variant of the RAV4 Hybrid, was an attractive alternative.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was a blend of style and functionality. Though it mixed premium materials with glossy hard plastics, the overall quality was decent. Our test vehicle had a minor rattle issue from the license plate on the tailgate. It provided practical storage solutions, including large, user-friendly climate control and stereo knobs with rubber grips for improved usability.

The Lexus NX wasn’t designed to be a sportster, but it was competent. Both the NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Though capable, the six-speed wasn’t as smooth as the more modern multi-speed transmissions.

The NX reached 60 mph in around seven seconds, a typical figure for its class. While the turbo engine could get noisy under hard acceleration, the overall ride remained relatively quiet. The F Sport's Active Sound Control attempted to enhance engine noises electronically but came across as gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with an all-wheel drive available across all trims. The AWD system allowed up to half the available torque to transfer to the rear axle but didn’t support individual-wheel torque vectoring.

Fuel economy was fair, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined, dipping slightly in AWD models. The NX had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and was electronically limited to a top speed of 124 mph.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid paired a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, giving it a combined output of 219 horsepower. This was 16 horsepower more than the standard RAV4 but 83 horsepower less than the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

The hybrid’s CVT operated smoothly and did not exhibit the droning characteristic of some CVTs. The transmission, paired with a brake-based Active Cornering Assist system and a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, gave the RAV4 Hybrid agreeable handling. The SUV felt lively during acceleration thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors, though the gas engine produced an unpleasant sound when revved.

The RAV4 Hybrid managed 40 mpg in combined driving, about 39.7 mpg during tests. Its 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail driving mode made it capable of handling light off-road conditions, although its P225/60R18 all-season tires offered limited grip during spirited driving.

Inside, the Lexus NX provided a comfortable environment with ample room in the front seats and decent space for two in the back with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Despite some engine noise, road and wind noise were effectively isolated. However, cargo capacity was a weak point, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class.

The RAV4 Hybrid boasted a more versatile and spacious interior. Our test vehicle featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the rear seats had good leg support and reclining backrests, they did feel slightly low.

Cargo capacity was significantly better, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats down. This made the RAV4 Hybrid a more practical choice for families and those needing extra storage.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available with the Navigation package. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist.

However, the Lexus infotainment system was infamous for its user-unfriendly interface, often buried under complex menus and controlled via an awkward touchpad. The system supported Lexus Enform Remote and Services Connect, providing functionalities like remote engine start/stop, climate control, and maintenance alerts with subscription services.

The RAV4 Hybrid offered various infotainment options, including 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreens. Our test vehicle was equipped with an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system and dynamic navigation. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM with a free trial period. Toyota also provided connected services like Safety Connect and WiFi Connect for free trial periods.

The well-designed infotainment system was easy to use, with shortcut buttons and knobs enhancing accessibility. The dynamic voice recognition worked impressively, though it couldn’t manage climate control settings. Additionally, advanced camera technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera and a rearview camera mirror, was available.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including numerous advanced safety technologies like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional park assist, surround-view camera, and adaptive headlights were extra.

It earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, underscoring its safety credentials. Lexus Safety Connect added features like an emergency assistance button and stolen-vehicle notification, while warranty coverage included a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and road sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, with rear automatic braking exclusive to the Hybrid Limited.

The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and top IIHS marks, except for its headlights. The adaptive front headlights on the Hybrid Limited were rated "Good," ensuring excellent nighttime visibility.