2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited presented a clean and somewhat robust aesthetic at the top end of its pricing spectrum, totaling $42,083 with nearly every available option. Despite its price tag, at first glance, it bore the familiar face of rental car lot regulars rather than imparting a luxurious or sport-tuned impression. The 18-inch wheels were considered understated, undermining what could have been a bolder look. Enthusiasts yearned for an Adventure trim level exclusive to the non-hybrid variant, which the existing AWD system couldn't support. Regardless, the RAV4 showcased a tough exterior for a compact SUV but lacked standout wheels to complete the look.

Inside, practicality and style coexisted but weren't without their flaws. The cabin combined impressive materials with less appealing glossy hard plastics common in compact SUVs, and a distracting rattle from the license plate bracket added to quality concerns. Still, the interior was functional and user-friendly, boasting a stylish design that managed to stand out among competitors.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus NX mirrored Toyota’s efforts but upped the ante with a distinctive Lexus identity. Slated for a December 2021 release, it spanned four models: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, offering trim levels from base to Luxury. Prices ranged between $37,950 to nearly $50,075 with destination charges.

Design-wise, the bold spindle grille and block tailgate lettering boldly declared its Lexus pedigree. The NX grew in size and thus offered more interior space and an overall more assertive road presence. The F Sport model boasted unique styling elements like mesh-pattern grilles, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a sportier steering wheel, unique instrumentation, and high-quality materials, differing markedly from the previous model's button-heavy dashboard.

While the minimalistic design felt refreshing, over-reliance on the new 14-inch touchscreen led to a complicated user experience. Fortunately, physical controls for key functions like stereo volume and climate adjustments maintained practicality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This was slightly more powerful than the standard RAV4 but fell short compared to the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. With trim-dependent weights ranging between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, the RAV4 Hybrid maintained a sprightly character owing to instant torque from its electric motors. Despite its peppy acceleration, the engine's noise at high revs was less than pleasant. The EPA estimated a combined fuel efficiency of 40 mpg, closely matching our observed average of 39.7 mpg.

The hybrid’s driving modes — Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV — catered to different needs, with EV mode adding an acoustic alert for pedestrian safety. The continuously variable transmission and regenerative braking system offered smooth and effective performance. However, the all-season tires failed to impress during cornering, exhibiting low grip and excessive noise.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus NX provided various powertrain options, including the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the NX 350, which delivered 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It excelled in driving enjoyment, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. Between the NX 250's 203-horsepower four-cylinder and the 302-hp plug-in hybrid NX 450h+, the NX catered to different performance desires.

Driven on Arizona’s winding roads, the NX 350 F Sport outshined in terms of taut handling and quick acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in an estimated 6.6 seconds. However, observed fuel economy varied with driving style, from 22.2 mpg on the F Sport to 25.5 mpg on the Luxury, against a 25 mpg combined estimate. Despite the dynamic tuning, turbo four-cylinder performance didn't match the refined sounds of its German competitors. With 7.7 inches of ground clearance, it wasn’t ideal for off-road ventures.

Comfort in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was a standout, featuring a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated cushions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests. Spacious rear air vents and heated cushions added to the comfort. Practicality shined with well-placed storage options throughout the cabin. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with generously sized control knobs.

Cargo capacity was formidable, offering 37.5 cubic feet with seats up, extending to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This substantial space, combined with easy accessibility and versatile storage solutions, made it ideal for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while larger overall, didn’t exude a significantly roomier feel from the driver's perspective. Yet, it provided comfort with optional heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim added sporty bolstering, and thoughtful padding enhanced driver comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, heated seats, and individual air conditioning vents. Luxury trim introduced ambient lighting for added interior allure.

Cargo space was reportedly increased by 14%, totaling 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats down. Though smaller than the RAV4’s, it was functional and adequate for most needs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sported multiple infotainment options, featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM radio. Various connected services also came standard. Our test model featured the top-tier system, with an 8-inch screen, dynamic navigation, and JBL audio among others.

The interface was user-friendly, with responsive, embedded navigation and reliable voice recognition despite some shortcomings in climate control adaptability. Superior camera-based tech, like the 360-degree view and rearview camera mirror, elevated its tech profile.

Lexus’s 2022 NX took tech a step further with its Lexus Interface system, discarding the much-maligned touchpad. It featured a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen or an optional 14-inch display with OTA updates, enabling an up-to-date interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple connected service plans aimed at seamless connectivity were standard.

The system included voice and intelligent assistants capable of understanding natural speech, controlling a broad array of functions. While the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system impressed, cloud-dependent features faltered without connectivity, though an offline navigation mode mitigated issues. Some criticisms included fingerprint-prone screens and the lack of dual data panel displays.

Safety in the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was comprehensive with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts were standard across most trims. Yet, lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control had mixed performance in dense traffic.

The SUV garnered high safety ratings, earning five stars overall from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for non-adaptive headlights.

Lexus equipped the 2022 NX with the extensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, incorporating advanced technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection. We experienced the Emergency Driving Stop System, which ensures safety during driver incapacitation scenarios.

Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and exit assist. Premium trims added adaptive front lights and rear pedestrian detection, with a Vision Package offering panoramic monitoring and front cross-traffic alerts.