2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal in a competitive market. 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 other Lexus models, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear of the vehicle featured a new shape with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its luxurious feel 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 packages added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels. Despite its premium feel, the centre stack's design was considered dated.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 boasted a rugged exterior, reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and other compact crossovers. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the RAV4 shared its foundation with other Toyota models, offering a solid but ordinary mechanical setup. The RAV4 Trail model added a retro Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road package included matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and red interior accents. The interior featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, with SofTex upholstery in the TRD Off-Road model. However, material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims, and real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The RX 350 L variant offered slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a recommended premium fuel. The RX 450h L shared the same setup, with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an electronically controlled CVT. The hybrid models featured motors for both front and rear wheels, adding 67 horsepower. The RX's acceleration from zero to 60 mph took 7.9 seconds, with slightly longer times for the RX 450h L. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the RX 350 achieving 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h used 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. Various drive modes were available, including Sport S+ for F Sport models, offering a firmer suspension setting. The RX provided a smooth driving experience, with responsive throttle and shifting, and maintained a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime provided more power, with 219 and 302 horsepower, respectively. The inline-four engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, similar to racing engines, with power peaking at 6,600 rpm. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4 excelled on highways, with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension. Off-road capability was a focus, with Trail and TRD Off-Road models featuring torque-vectoring AWD and 21.7 cm of ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road also had model-specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Despite these features, the RAV4's off-road performance was limited by its suspension articulation and approach angles.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as some German luxury SUVs, but it offered comfort and functionality. The two-row RX model accommodated four adults comfortably, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in its 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 competitors, with a high load floor limiting 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 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly less than some competitors. The front seats in the RAV4 Trail TRD Off-Road model were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but it did not slide like those in the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded, though still behind the Honda CR-V. The cargo area had a wide aperture for easy loading, but the lip was higher than in the Honda. The RAV4's interior included oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, with a large centre-console storage bin and space for smartphones, though it lacked large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020, including moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity helped mitigate issues. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other app compatibility. The physical controls improved with a touchscreen interface, and the RX included six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims having a 7-inch touchscreen, while Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen. The RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, with a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio as options. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with well-positioned graphics and shortcut buttons, though it lacked flashiness and a head-up display. The RAV4 provided a simple interface for in-car infotainment.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera were standard. The RX also featured daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect subscriptions were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA gave the RAV4 a five-star overall rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.