2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling cues. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences, from performance-focused to extended body options with third-row seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of features from power-adjustable front seats to semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated steering wheels, though the infotainment system was criticized for its dated appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a more traditional and rugged look, especially in the Heritage Edition trim. The standard model, however, was less visually striking, with a basic two-box shape adorned with chrome and large headlights. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined Toyota parts-bin switchgear with high-quality materials, offering plush leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The interior was spacious, with a three-passenger second-row bench and a third-row seat that could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. The Land Cruiser's cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate, providing up to 82.8 cubic feet of space with the seats folded. Despite its dated appearance, the interior was swanky, with features like a four-zone climate control system and a plethora of air vents.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 engine with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable and dynamic driving experience, with tuning adjustments to the suspension and handling systems enhancing its performance. The F Sport Handling package added features like adaptive variable suspension and sport seats. The RX was limited to a top speed of 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain. Fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg in the city.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select traction assist, and Crawl Control. It also had a sophisticated suspension system with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for maximum wheel articulation. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though it required more steering effort when parking. The SUV was rated to tow up to 8,100 pounds, but its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 14.7 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV, offering seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. The front and second-row seats provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space 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 even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row bench was spacious and comfortable, with heated cushions and a four-zone climate control system. The third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, though leg support was lacking. Cargo space was accessible via a split clamshell-style liftgate, offering 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 82.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. The lower tailgate provided a convenient spot for cleaning up before entering the vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The infotainment system was functional but dated, with a Remote Touch controller that was less refined than competitors. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a drawback for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, making it easy to use. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with 11.6-inch displays that weren't touchscreens. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system was standard, though it didn't match the quality of high-end systems in other SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting systems found in some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping, which were common in other vehicles at its price point.