2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Lexus NX

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 and dated. The RX was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different needs, from performance to extended seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added sporty elements such as 20-inch F Sport wheels and unique fascia. The interior offered a range of features from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a December 2021 release, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims were particularly notable. The NX featured a simplified and refined design, with a new block lettering on the tailgate and a more spacious interior. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, integrating many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use at first. The NX also featured an electronic shifter and high-quality materials, though some elements like the turn signal felt less premium.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were 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 front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The RX Hybrid models, with a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, offered 308 horsepower and up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX could reach 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an estimated 25 mpg combined. The NX offered a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, though it had more road and wind noise than expected.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RX offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system, while functional, was dated and not as user-friendly as competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured a 9.8-inch touchscreen, with a 14-inch screen as an option. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new system eliminated the old touchpad, offering a more intuitive experience. The NX also included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and various connected services.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and four out of five stars from NHTSA. It came with a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 included a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist. However, it lacked the advanced hands-off driving features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and semi-autonomous parking assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and a Vision Package with a panoramic view monitoring system.