2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Lexus RX exhibited a modern design aesthetic characteristic of Lexus's recent styling trends. From its large grille to angular headlamps, the car demonstrated an aggressive and luxurious exterior. The shapely body and floating roof added to its contemporary appearance, while the interior boasted sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. However, the center console appeared bland and somewhat outdated.

Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX and RX Hybrid served as the base models for each powertrain set. The RX F Sport presented a more performance-focused option, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid had an extended body and a third row of seats.

The changes made for the 2020 model year carried over to 2021, which included elongated headlights and a redesigned front end that departed from its initially criticized fish-mouth appearance. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lights, rear privacy glass, and side mirrors with LED turn signals.

Exterior upgrades like 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer were available. The F Sport Appearance package brought even more distinctive features such as 20-inch F Sport wheels, F Sport-specific exterior and interior styling cues, and performance dampers.

Inside, the RX provided a well-finished cabin even in the base model. Standard features included chrome inside door handles, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power-adjustable front seats, and NuLuxe-trimmed seats. Optional upgrades included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The center console, while functional, appeared dated compared to other automakers’ more modern designs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, stood out with its bold design. The Highlander’s front end, while less dramatic than the Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. Along the sides, a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car added to its distinct profile. The rear had taillights similar to Lexus models but missed the vertical design element, rendering the SUV longer and lower without compromising size.

Toyota introduced the XSE trim level in 2021, which featured a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, added chrome roof rails and a polished interior finish with tan leather seats and dark brown accents. The Highlander’s refinement came from its flawless fit and finish, good-quality steering wheel feel, and well-appointed interior, albeit with faux wood details.

The 2021 Lexus RX, including the RXL and RX F-Sport variants, was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rated the front-wheel-drive RX 350 at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models and the RXL trimmed the combined fuel economy by 1 mpg.

For added efficiency, the RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). These models offered AWD and achieved 29-31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The RX’s suspension system, updated in 2020, made the SUV more dynamic, particularly with the F Sport Handling package that added adaptive variable suspension and performance-oriented seating. However, it wasn’t on par with sportier competitors like the Audi SQ5 or RS Q8.

The RX attained a top speed of 124 mph, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in about 7.9 seconds for AWD models and 7.7 seconds for FWD. The hybrid variant matched the 7.9-second performance but had a lower top speed of 112 mph.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a universally reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine worked with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Although not a sports utility vehicle, it adequately balanced power and reliability with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.

The Highlander Hybrid, reviewed separately, maintained a distinct powertrain. Despite its three-row configuration, the Highlander was comfortable on highways but tended to lumber through corners due to its soft suspension.

The XSE trim enhanced the suspension with higher-rated springs, shock absorbers, and power steering adjustments, providing a slightly sportier drive without compromising the Highlander's family-friendly nature.

The 2021 Lexus RX excelled in functionality despite design criticisms. The five-seat configuration in the RX 350 and RX F-Sport offered ample space, with adult-friendly accommodations in the second row. However, the third row in the RXL and RXL Hybrid suited smaller passengers best. Comfort was a priority, especially with the sport seats that remained cozy over long journeys.

Cargo space was somewhat limited in the RX. The two-row version offered 18.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with those seats folded. The three-row RXL versions provided just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, extending to 58.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander emphasized comfort and utility, highlighted by a set of handy shelves ahead of the front seats large enough for modern cell phones, with charging pass-throughs. Higher trims included a wireless charging pad within the center console.

Second-row passengers enjoyed substantial legroom, with seats that adjusted to provide more space for either the second or third rows. The third row was somewhat cramped for adults unless the second row gave up some space.

Cargo capacity in the Highlander was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 84.3 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats down—more than the Lexus RX but less than some competitors like minivans.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a suite of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

While the touchscreen interface worked well, the overall infotainment operating system was less intuitive and visually appealing than competitors. The Remote Touch controller, meant to enhance navigation ease, still lagged behind rivals like Acura's touchpad, consuming valuable console space.

The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an omission for those valuing cutting-edge technology.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, in contrast, equipped trim levels below Limited with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims and the Platinum variant featured a 12.3-inch screen. Navigation was optional and struggled with point-of-interest searches but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration helped mitigate this issue.

The 12.3-inch screen in higher trims offered excellent clarity and responsiveness, but some apps did not utilize its full width. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, though not outstanding.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation with Good grades in all crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h four out of five stars overall, with perfect scores for side-impact testing.

Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite added adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and road sign assist, among other features. However, the RX lacked more advanced driver-assist technologies found in newer models.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander, enhanced with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), showcased advanced features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. This system could recognize and react to potential intersection collisions.

Additional features included road-sign assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the Highlander a five-star overall rating, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.