Lexus NX Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083, presented a robust appearance despite its fully-loaded status. It maintained a rugged charm typical of a compact SUV, though it lacked the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The interior was a mix of stylish and practical elements, with some quality inconsistencies. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin was functional, featuring a blend of impressive materials and some hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, it offered a comfortable and practical environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX models, showcased a sharp, streamlined design. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX's platform was based on an older RAV4 generation, making it feel somewhat dated. The interior, once radical, now seemed familiar, with a high dashboard and door sides contributing to a sporty feel. The Black Line package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration despite the engine's unpleasant sound at high revs. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg combined, with a tested average of 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system enhanced ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX 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 sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front cushions. Rear-seat legroom was decent, with reclining backrests and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with a 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with the least rear legroom in its segment. The front seats offered excellent support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch displays, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy access. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an optional 10.3-inch screen. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. Analog controls were available for climate and audio functions. The base audio system was subpar, with an optional 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The graphics and menus felt outdated.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. 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.