2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that sharply contrasted with previous generations. This aggressive styling set it apart from other compact crossovers, enhancing its appeal as more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath this bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional than its styling suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature spindle grille and refined styling details. The redesign made the NX longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on simplicity and functionality, although some controls integrated into the large touchscreen could be challenging to use quickly. The NX's interior featured high-quality materials, with options for real leather and open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic moonroof was available for the first time.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by 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. While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and was eager to rev, the transmission's hesitancy and the steering's lack of feel detracted from the driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, but its on-road dynamics remained ordinary.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a more dynamic driving experience, particularly in the NX 350 F Sport model. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport included adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its handling on winding roads. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered electrified powertrains, with the latter providing 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of pure electric range. Despite its performance improvements, the NX's turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a spacious interior with good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's controls were user-friendly, with oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered sport-bolstered seats and additional padding for comfort during spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities, including rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% over the previous model, offering 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offered larger screens, and a JBL premium audio system was available. The infotainment system was straightforward but lacked the flashiness of some competitors, and the gasoline RAV4 did not offer a head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability, though the large touchscreen was prone to fingerprints and reflections.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.