Lexus NX Hybrid vs Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX models, featured a distinctive design with sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's styling had remained largely unchanged over the years, making it both unique and familiar. The F Sport Black Line variant added a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The F Sport model included features like a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX maintained a modern and sporty design, especially after its 2020 facelift. Competing with models like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5, the RX stood out with aggressive styling and sharp character lines. The RX offered a variety of trims, including the F Sport, which added 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia elements. The interior continued this sporty theme, with nearly a dozen color combinations and high-quality materials. Despite its dated center stack, the RX provided a comfortable and quiet cabin, making it a pleasant choice for long drives.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport model improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 295 horsepower, while the RX 450h hybrid variant offered 308 horsepower with its electric motors. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport model included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, failed to significantly enhance the driving experience. However, the RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, making it a suitable choice for leisurely drives.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats provided good support, and features like 10-way power adjustment and heated/ventilated options were available. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX's sporty design impacted rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped compensate.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for passengers and cargo. The RX's cargo capacity varied, with up to 58.48 cubic feet available with both rear rows folded. Thoughtful interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable cup holder, and a head-up display button, although the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with an optional 10.3-inch upgrade. The lack of a touchscreen and reliance on the awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad made it difficult to use. While analog controls were available, the system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was underwhelming, highlighting the need for an upgrade.

In the 2022 Lexus RX, the standard infotainment included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning created access issues. The touchpad was frustrating to use, but the RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and multiple audio system options. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.

The 2022 Lexus RX included the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ with similar features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional headlights. The RX received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong side crash test results. Despite its age, the RX remained competitive in safety features.