2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the look of a traditional SUV, setting it apart from other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive appearance, contrasting sharply with previous RAV4 generations. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the RAV4 looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained a design that had evolved over a decade, featuring the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. While the exterior styling was updated, the interior lagged behind modern luxury SUV standards. The wood trim felt like plastic, and the cabin was filled with actual plastic materials. Despite these shortcomings, the GX offered standard semi-aniline leather, providing a touch of luxury. The GX's tough and aggressive look appealed to SUV enthusiasts, but its interior did not match the expectations of a contemporary luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. 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, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to traditional off-roaders. The TRD Off-Road package added torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road potential.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms affected its performance at higher speeds. Merging and overtaking required careful planning, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided a spacious interior with good headroom and visibility, but legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's oversized knobs and controls were user-friendly, but storage space on the console was limited. The vehicle's design emulated old-school SUVs, lacking large cupholders and loose change storage.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The centre-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and accessing the third row was challenging. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The GX was better suited as a two-row SUV with occasional third-row use.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked standout features, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It had two USB ports for the first two rows, but none for the third row. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, the GX featured analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, offering a high-quality audio experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were also available.

The 2021 Lexus GX did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ with standard driver aids like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.