2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that set it apart from other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive look, reminiscent of a traditional SUV. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models like the Camry. This meant that while it looked like a 4Runner, its mechanical underpinnings were more akin to a sedan. 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. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, but the material quality did not elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model came with SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather but real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued to impress with its modern and sporty design, following a facelift in 2020. It stood out among midsize luxury crossovers with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features. The RX offered a variety of paint options, including the new Grecian Water for F Sport models. The F Sport trims added performance-oriented features like 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and a unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained its luxury appeal with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport were less comfortable than expected. Despite these drawbacks, the RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long journeys.

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. 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 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, with the Prime delivering 302 horsepower. On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quiet cabin and smooth ride, but its off-road capabilities were limited despite features like torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance in the TRD Off-Road model.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid added electric motors for a combined 308 horsepower. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and sluggish acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the differences between drive modes were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections with ease. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid offered better fuel economy at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors, and the rear seats were less comfortable for long trips. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded, but still trailed the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage space on the console.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX and up to 1,657 litres with both back rows down in the L model. The RX included thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered 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 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available on the 450h L and as an option for other trims. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in 2020, but the positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, but the latter was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

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 "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the "plus" designation due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.