2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, emphasizing its practical nature. While it lacked some modern infotainment and safety technologies, its simplicity and durability made it a reliable choice for long-term ownership.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a more modern and sophisticated appearance, reflecting the brand's commitment to design excellence. The NX's exterior featured a distinctive spindle grille and refined styling details, while the interior embraced a minimalist approach with a focus on comfort and technology. The NX offered more passenger and cargo space than its predecessor, with options for luxurious materials and advanced features. The F Sport trim added sporty elements, enhancing the driving experience. However, the decluttered dashboard, while visually appealing, posed challenges in quickly accessing certain functions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional packages like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which included features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. Its 4.0-litre V6 engine produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While capable off-road, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome on pavement, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a more refined driving experience, with electrified options like the NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX's platform improvements, including a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning, contributed to a composed and capable ride. The F Sport trim added sportier driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. Fuel consumption for the NX 350 was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving, with the F Sport averaging 10.6 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with supportive front and rear seats and ample legroom. Its high ground clearance posed a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a pleasant experience. The SUV's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them folded down. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and its back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Lexus NX, while claiming increased interior space, felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to its new dashboard design. The NX offered comfortable seating, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, providing 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded down. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with the entry-level Trail grade lacking advanced features. It included a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's physical buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves. While the 4Runner's technology was not cutting-edge, it provided essential connectivity and convenience features.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 14-inch screen, both offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The NX's advanced technology included a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems enhanced user interaction, while connected services like Drive Connect and User Profiles added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included advanced driver assistance systems like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection enhanced safety. The NX also offered a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features included rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and a panoramic view monitoring system.