2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Lexus NX
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 was 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scored 7.0 out of 10. Considering these scores, the Toyota RAV4 edged out the Lexus NX in overall value. It offered a good blend of practicality, technology, and off-road capability, catering to a broader range of consumers. While the Lexus NX provided premium comfort and safety, its higher price and less user-friendly technology somewhat limited its appeal. Therefore, based on the ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice for most consumers.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You need a practical crossover with off-road capabilities for mild adventure activities.
- You want straightforward technology features and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
- You prioritize a spacious cargo area and practical interior storage solutions.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You seek a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials and a quieter ride.
- You prefer additional standard safety features and advanced safety technology with seamless integration.
- You value premium amenities such as a power liftgate, adaptive suspension, and upscale infotainment options.
Overview | |
MSRP$26,350 | MSRP$37,610 |
Average price$26,771 | Average price$32,285 |
Listings4144 | Listings1493 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummarySince its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | |
2021 Lexus NX Reviews SummaryOne year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.6 cu ft | Cargo Space17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3370 lbs | Curb Weight3940 lbs |
Height67.0 in | Height64.8 in |
Length180.9 in | Length182.3 in |
Width73.0 in | Width83.9 in |
Wheelbase105.9 in | Wheelbase104.7 in |
Maximum Payload1240 lbs | Maximum Payload895 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 was 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scored 7.0 out of 10. Considering these scores, the Toyota RAV4 edged out the Lexus NX in overall value. It offered a good blend of practicality, technology, and off-road capability, catering to a broader range of consumers. While the Lexus NX provided premium comfort and safety, its higher price and less user-friendly technology somewhat limited its appeal. Therefore, based on the ratings, the Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice for most consumers.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You need a practical crossover with off-road capabilities for mild adventure activities.
- You want straightforward technology features and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
- You prioritize a spacious cargo area and practical interior storage solutions.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You seek a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials and a quieter ride.
- You prefer additional standard safety features and advanced safety technology with seamless integration.
- You value premium amenities such as a power liftgate, adaptive suspension, and upscale infotainment options.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,350 | $37,610 |
Average price | $26,771 | $32,285 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
MPG City | 28 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.0L 235 hp I4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.6 cu ft | 17.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3370 lbs | 3940 lbs |
Height | 67.0 in | 64.8 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 182.3 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 83.9 in |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 104.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1240 lbs | 895 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 2000 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.