2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was styled to capture the rugged essence of a traditional SUV while delivering a sharp contrast to the more approachable and softer lines of its predecessors. The exterior was marked by boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, which together created an aggressive appearance for a family crossover. This bold design helped the RAV4 stand out in a crowded market segment, adding to the perception that it was more than just an ordinary vehicle.

Underneath its striking exterior, the RAV4 shared the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform with several other Toyota models. This well-engineered platform provided a solid foundation for various vehicle types including sedans and minivans, indicating that the RAV4’s mechanical underpinnings were more aligned with efficiency and reliability rather than rugged off-roading. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road models introduced styling enhancements like matte black 18-inch wheels, dark gray exterior trim, and red interior accents, as well as functional touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles in the cabin. These features helped differentiate it within the Toyota lineup, although the material quality didn't necessarily match up with its higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX epitomized the modern Lexus design language with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. The interior exuded luxury, with sumptuous seating, perforated leather upholstery, and high-quality materials. However, the center console was criticized for its uninspired design, appearing dated amidst the competitors' more modern layouts. The RX was offered in five variants, catering to a wide range of preferences from eco-friendly hybrids to the sportier F Sport models.

Updates introduced in 2020, such as elongated headlights and a revised front end, remained unchanged for the 2021 model. The vehicle came with standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and a plethora of available upgrades including 20-inch wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The F Sport variants boasted exclusive features like F Sport wheels, black outer mirrors, and aluminum pedals, enhancing their sporty appeal.

The gasoline-powered 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine named "Dynamic Force," which offered 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it came with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. While the engine achieved an impressive 40% thermal efficiency, translating to high performance for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, the transmission often struggled with gear changes, hampering the driving experience. The RAV4’s steering was responsive but lacked the feel, leaving an impression of a disjointed driving experience.

On the highway, the RAV4 exhibited low cabin noise levels and a compliant suspension, making it more comfortable for everyday use. Toyota chose to enhance the RAV4's off-road capabilities with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, adding features like torque-vectoring rear axles, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and specific suspension tuning for off-road adventures. Despite these additions, the RAV4’s off-road prowess remained limited compared to traditional off-roaders.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Lexus RX offered a more potent driving experience with its 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivered a smooth and robust performance. The RX Hybrid variants upped the game with a combination of a V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a total of 308 horsepower. The hybrids used an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and came standard with AWD, providing impressive fuel efficiency with up to 31 mpg in the city.

The RX got suspension and handling adjustments in 2020, which continued in 2021, making it more dynamic and planted, especially with AWD. However, it still exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport models offered additional features like adaptive variable suspension and sport seats, adding a layer of excitement to the driving dynamics. The RX was limited to a top speed of 124 mph, and it could sprint from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, which aligned with its luxury cruiser heritage rather than a high-performance vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roofline that provided ample headroom in both front and rear seats, coupled with generous glass areas for excellent visibility. However, rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors, and the rear seats, despite the supportive front seats, had flat and uncomfortable bottom cushions. The cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, falling short compared to some rivals like the Honda CR-V but still considerable for the class. The well-positioned oversized knobs and useful steering-wheel controls added to the functional design, although the center-console storage could feel cramped at times.

In comparison, the 2021 Lexus RX presented a more luxurious layout with plenty of functional space for front and second-row passengers. The base RX, F Sport, and RX Hybrid variants seated five, providing comfortable seating for all occupants. The three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid models, however, featured a cramped third row suitable mainly for children. Cargo space in the RX was relatively limited due to its sloped roof design, offering 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row variants had even less cargo space with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims like the RAV4 Limited and Prime offering 8-inch and 9-inch screens respectively. Up to five USB ports were available, along with an optional JBL premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly with clear graphics and accessible shortcut buttons, though not considered cutting-edge in design or features.

Conversely, the 2021 Lexus RX included dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, and six USB ports as standard. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a premium Mark Levinson surround sound system. The infotainment system was visually appealing but featured a touchpad interface that some found cumbersome. The RX’s system lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, showing signs of its aging technology.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, achieving top "Good" scores in all crash tests and "Superior" ratings for front-crash prevention tech. However, mixed headlight performance prevented it from earning the highest designation. The NHTSA awarded it an overall five-star rating with top scores in most crash tests.

Standard safety features included in the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle covered forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and lane tracing assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Lexus RX was also given the Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although the RXL and hybrid models were not tested separately. The NHTSA gave the main RX models a four-star overall rating with perfect scores in side-impact tests. Standard safety equipment included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.