2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was quintessentially Lexus. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although 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 preferences, from base models to performance-focused and extended body versions. 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 unique wheels, black outer mirrors, and performance dampers. The interior was well-appointed, even in the base model, with features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats. However, the center console's dated design and the infotainment system's functionality were points of contention.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued the modern and sporty design introduced in the 2020 facelift. It was available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, with a hybrid RX 450h model. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior featured razor-sharp character lines and angular features, resulting in an eye-catching design. The F Sport trim stood out with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and a unique front fascia. The interior maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. The center stack, however, felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable. The limited-edition Black Line trim level added exclusive black-colored features and contrast gray stitching for a premium look.

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 (FWD) RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. All-wheel drive (AWD) and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp and achieving up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, offering a more dynamic driving experience, though body roll was noticeable at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F Sport model providing a bit more spirited driving. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured the same 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two electric motors for a combined 308 hp. All RX models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The RX 450h came standard with AWD. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport Handling package included adaptive variable suspension and other tuning bits, but the differences between drive modes were minimal. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and isolating road noise. The EPA estimated the RX 350's fuel economy at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with AWD and three-row models slightly less efficient. The RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, while the second row was comfortable for adults. The third row in the RXL models was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 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. The RX's cargo space was less than some competitors, but a power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the two-row version, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Headroom was 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with 7.45 cubic feet behind the third row, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with 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, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system's touch aspect worked well, but the operating system was not user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller was less refined than competitors' systems and took up valuable center console space. The RX did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in 2020, but the positioning was still ergonomically unfriendly. The screen's cove design created access issues, and the touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered quality tech features like six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, dual- and tri-zone climate control, premium audio systems, navigation, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App provided additional personalization options.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid 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, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The NHTSA rated the RX with four stars overall, with five stars for side crashes and four stars for frontal crashes and rollover resistance. The RX's safety was competitive despite its age.