2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland. Lexus offered the RX in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences and needs. The RX F Sport was the most performance-focused, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid provided extended bodies and a third row of seating. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms.

Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, rear privacy glass, and side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Optional upgrades encompassed 20-inch wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. Inside, the base RX 350 model came with carpeted floor mats, chrome door handles, and NuLuxe-trimmed seats. Higher trims offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, sport seats, and various comfort enhancements. However, the center console's dated design and the infotainment system's functionality were points of contention.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced with a two-motor hybrid powertrain in 2020, maintained its freshened styling and improved interior storage for 2021. It featured "Hybrid" badges, blue Honda logos, sophisticated LED fog lights, and a distinct rear bumper. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid had unique instrumentation displaying battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350.

The Touring trim, tested with Platinum White Pearl paint and ivory leather, offered a rich two-tone cabin. Despite the fake wood trim, the interior was comfortable and spacious. The CR-V Hybrid's battery pack and electric motors added 194 pounds, improving weight distribution and maintaining 8.2 inches of ground clearance. The driving experience was generally positive, with quick acceleration, ample power, and predictable handling. However, the real-world fuel economy of 33.7 mpg fell short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined.

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. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which was generally smooth but occasionally struggled with gear selection under acceleration. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) RX 350 achieved an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive (AWD) and RXL models saw a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid, with a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivered 308 horsepower and managed 29-31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with AWD providing a planted feel in corners despite some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, heated and ventilated F Sport front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7-7.9 seconds depending on the drivetrain. The RX Hybrid matched this acceleration but had a lower top speed of 112 mph.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, driver-selected modes included Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight improved weight distribution and maintained 8.2 inches of ground clearance.

The driving experience was generally positive, with quick acceleration, ample power, and predictable handling. However, the real-world fuel economy of 33.7 mpg fell short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg combined. The CR-V Hybrid's driving dynamics were enjoyable, but the fuel efficiency did not match expectations.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV despite its design critiques. The two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h seated five, while the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid seated six or seven. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, and the second row was comfortable for adults. However, the third row in the RXL models was tight for any age group. Cargo space in the RX was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 12-way power adjustment. Heated front seats were standard, and the available leather upholstery was high-quality. The rear seat provided remarkable space, with ample legroom and comfort for adults. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupied significant center console space.

Cargo space in the CR-V Hybrid was configured for maximum utility, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, slightly reduced from the standard CR-V due to the battery pack. Maximum cargo space measured 68.7 cubic feet, which was less than the standard CR-V but still substantial. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered more cargo space by volume.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with a standard suite of technology, including dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, 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 a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

The infotainment system's touch functionality worked well, but the operating system was not user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller, designed to minimize touchscreen use, was less refined than competitors' systems and occupied valuable center console space. Steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, appeared modern but performed poorly. The 7-inch touchscreen was small for the segment, and the lack of a tuning knob hindered user experience. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was ineffective. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were necessary for voice commands, and the navigation map was cluttered. HondaLink connected services were minimal.

The CR-V Hybrid offered dual 2.5-amp quick-charging ports for the rear seat, with 1.5-amp and 1-amp USB ports in the front. Wireless smartphone charging was standard in the Touring trim but occupied significant center console space. The Touring's nine-speaker premium audio system sounded good, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid, with longer bodies, were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness.

Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included a pre-collision system with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. However, the RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting technology found in some competitors. The second row had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. Features included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

These systems worked smoothly and accurately, but the CR-V's technology was not as advanced as some competitors. The CR-V lacked automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and safe teen driver settings. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.