2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a bold redesign in 2019, moving away from its previous soft-roader look to a more rugged and angular design. Its front fascia resembled the Toyota 4Runner, featuring stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mechanical appearance. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested its capability for off-road adventures. The RAV4 Hybrid was available in four trims, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. Inside, the design was simple yet functional, with tasteful trim. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the Softex and fabric seats were comfortable, and the interior materials were of good quality, though not as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, maintained its sharp-edged, streamlined profile. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX was built on an older platform shared with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the design was familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials like wood trim. The F Sport package added features like a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivered 219 horsepower, 16 more than its standard counterpart, and boasted an impressive EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg. Its powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, providing AWD without a heavy driveshaft. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to weigh only about 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model, enhancing handling and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system offered smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid version. It could tow up to 1,750 pounds and featured light steering and a soft suspension for easy driving.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The F Sport package improved handling with sport-tuned suspension, but the steering was numb, and the NX felt less refined than newer models. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and optional 8-inch screen. The center console provided ample storage, and the rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, maintaining 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and heated and ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered visibility, but the dashboard controls were functional. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats down, less than the gasoline model.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with SiriusXM Radio and WiFi Connect available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with USB-A ports for connectivity. Predictive Efficient Drive technology improved hybrid efficiency, and drive modes like Eco and Sport adjusted performance settings.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and optional 10.3-inch screen. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. Analog controls were available for climate and audio, and the system felt outdated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star NHTSA rating and had two safety recalls for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera system was missing.