2021 Lexus NX vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid, with a focus on the gasoline models NX 300 and 300 F Sport. The NX F Sport variant was performance-focused, featuring a sportier appearance with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The interior boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of color schemes, including Circuit Red. The NX's design was sharp and sculpted, maintaining a familiar Lexus appearance, though its center stack design appeared outdated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s roots. It was built on a truck-based platform, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. The 4Runner's boxy proportions and high ride height emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the design was functional but dated, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered various trims, including the Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro, each catering to different driving preferences, from road-oriented to off-road focused.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride, though the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, providing reliable performance but feeling underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear passengers. It featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX was equipped with a power liftgate and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious, the 4Runner offered practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The system was not user-friendly, with functions buried in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system as an upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by hard buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward and tactile, suitable for off-road use. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL audio system were available. While not the most advanced, the 4Runner's system covered the basics effectively.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, with forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system. The 4Runner earned four stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing.