2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with the Lexus car lineup, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle was revamped with a new shape, dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its reputation for luxury with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered various colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. The F Sport appearance packages added unique features like a specialized steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its premium feel, the centre stack's design was considered dated, with a functional but aging appearance.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly in the Limited AWD trim, was priced at $45,341, which was considered high for a RAV4. Despite its fully loaded status, the vehicle's appearance did not distinguish it from a standard rental car model. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was described as tough, though it could benefit from bolder wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was both stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some glossy hard plastics. The test vehicle experienced a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate. The interior was functional, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. The climate control knobs were notably large and easy to use, and the infotainment system was user-friendly. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area. The rear seats folded down to provide a maximum cargo space of 1,977 litres.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 350 L model had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid version combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h L used the same setup, with a 165-horsepower electric motor and a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and had a motor on each axle for AWD. The RX was not particularly athletic, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it offered a smooth driving experience with various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and EV. The RX 350 had a fuel efficiency of 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. The front electric motor generated 149 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor provided 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The vehicle's curb weight ranged from 1,680 to 1,720 kilograms, making it heavier than the standard RAV4. Despite this, the RAV4 Hybrid felt lively due to the instant torque from the electric motors. The fuel efficiency was rated at 6.0 L/100 km combined, with a tested average of 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to its agreeable ride and handling, though the all-season tires limited grip. The SUV was capable off-road, with 20.6 centimetres of ground clearance and a Trail mode for rough terrain.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as some German luxury SUVs, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its competitors, with a high load floor that limited space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on certain models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats provided decent legroom and foot space, with a reclining backrest. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a centre armrest with cupholders. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded down. The test vehicle's premium sound system's subwoofer took up some cargo space, and the all-weather mat was cumbersome.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The display was moved closer to the driver, and the system offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was difficult to navigate, but using CarPlay or Android Auto improved the experience. The RX also featured Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app integrations. The touchpad system was more responsive, and the vehicle had six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected services. The test vehicle featured an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for volume and tuning. The dynamic voice recognition technology was generally effective, though it struggled with some commands. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 model added features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist. The RX had a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing could be overly sensitive, and adaptive cruise control allowed too much space between vehicles. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.