2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged-looking exterior characteristic of a traditional SUV, aiming to captivate crossover buyers who were drawn to robust styling. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end sharply contrasted with the friendly aesthetics of prior RAV4 versions and many other compact crossovers at the time. This aggressive-looking exterior helped the RAV4 stand out against competitors and reinforced the perception of it being more than just an ordinary family vehicle.

Underneath the striking exterior, the RAV4 was based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many other models like the Camry and the Sienna minivan. While robust, this platform meant that the RAV4's guts remained ordinary despite its rugged appearance.

Toyota offered additional options to enhance the gasoline RAV4’s adventurous appeal. The RAV4 Adventure model featured a retro Ice Edge (white) roof and orange interior accents. The TRD Off-Road variant boasted matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, and red interior accents.

Inside, the RAV4 embraced a rugged theme with large rubberized knobs and door handles, setting its cabin apart from other Toyota models. While material quality was respectable on lower trims, it didn’t scale up with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road version came with SofTex upholstery, claimed to be lighter and durable than leather, but genuine leather wasn't available even on the top RAV4 Limited trim level.

The design of the 2021 Lexus GX 460 reflected its long-established presence in the market. Maintaining much of its original bodywork, which debuted over a decade ago, the GX had received several updates over the years. The notable inclusion of Lexus’ signature spindle grille in 2014, refined in the 2020 model, accompanied by new triple-beam LED headlights, offered a modern touch.

The 2021 GX retained this updated styling without further changes but added silver 18-inch wheels as a standard feature on the Premium trim, with an option for 19-inch wheels. The styling continuity was impressive, considering the design wasn't initially intended for the spindle grille. The substantial grille added to the GX’s distinctive, tough look, appealing to SUV enthusiasts.

Internally, however, the GX 460 failed to meet modern luxury SUV standards. While our Premium test vehicle featured wood trim, it appeared more plastic-like, with pervasive plastic components across the cabin. Nonetheless, leather upholstery was standard, and the Luxury trim offered semi-aniline leather.

The gasoline-powered 2021 RAV4 came with a single engine option, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder “Dynamic Force” engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain options included standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). For more power, buyers had the choice of the 219-hp RAV4 Hybrid or the 302-hp RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid.

The Dynamic Force engine was unusual for a compact crossover, achieving 40% thermal efficiency akin to racing engines and delivering an impressive rev range. However, on-road performance was marred by the transmission’s sluggishness and a lackluster steering feel. The Sport mode, which added weight to the steering, failed to enhance the driving experience significantly.

While the RAV4 wasn’t a top contender for driving dynamics, it excelled on highways with low cabin noise and a smooth suspension. Off-road models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road featured torque-vectoring rear axles and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road model included specialized suspension tuning and Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 offered a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite robust performance during initial acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds), the GX’s hefty 5,130-pound weight hampered high-speed performance and required careful planning for overtaking maneuvers.

Bringing the heavy SUV to a stop necessitated forethought, and handling felt marked by low grip and significant body roll. The ride quality reflected its body-on-frame construction, typical of older SUVs, lacking the refinement found in newer unibody designs.

However, the GX 460 excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen center differential with a default 40/60 front-to-rear torque split, adjustable to 50/50 when locked. The 4WD system included a low range, various driver aids, and an Off-Road Package for the Luxury trim, adding advanced features like a multi-view camera, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.

The GX had 8.1 inches of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and break-over angles of 21, 23, and 21 degrees, respectively. Its towing capacity reached up to 6,500 pounds.

The RAV4’s tall, upright roofline provided generous headroom in both rows and excellent outward visibility. However, legroom lagged behind several competitors. Front seats in the TRD Off-Road model felt extremely comfortable, while rear seats were disappointingly flat and hard, making long trips unattractive.

The standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat didn’t slide fore and aft like those in the Ford Escape or Nissan Rogue. Cargo space was competitive at 37.6 cubic feet with rear seats up, but didn’t match the Honda CR-V’s capacity. Loading was facilitated by a wide aperture, albeit with a higher cargo-area lip than the Honda.

The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls that were user-friendly even with gloves. A sizeable center-console storage bin was compromised by space constraints due to the placement of controls like the drive-mode knob and buttons.

The GX’s interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The odd steering wheel angle and high seating position gave a bus-like driving feel. While the 2021 Premium model introduced a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, the uneven heating impacted overall comfort.

Outward visibility was excellent due to the low side glass, beneficial for parking and off-roading. However, the tall hood obstructed forward visibility. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were relatively small, and second-row cupholders took up space in the armrest.

The GX accommodated seven passengers across three rows, with a power-folding third row available on the Premium Plus Package and standard on the Luxury trim. The third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Despite the GX having more first-row legroom on paper than the Land Rover Discovery, it felt cramped, and second-row legroom was inferior as well.

Cargo capacity with the second and third rows folded was 64.7 cubic feet, considerably less than the Discovery's 73.0 cubic feet. The third row eradicated cargo space entirely, making the GX more practical as a two-row SUV with occasional use of the third row.

The RAV4 came equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited got an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime could be optioned with a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, alongside an optional JBL premium audio system.

The infotainment system was practical and easy to use, although not flashy. Positioned atop the dashboard, the touchscreen offered clear graphics and convenient shortcut buttons. However, features like a head-up display were reserved for the RAV4 Prime, leaving tech enthusiasts wanting more.

The GX's tech features lagged behind, consistent with its decade-old design. Standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity were included, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent. Two USB ports per row were standard, except the third row, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The infotainment system was rudimentary, with outdated graphics and limited functions. An analog display for time and temperature below the main screen hearkened back to the 1990s. However, the extensive array of analog controls offered a straightforward alternative to modern touchscreen interfaces.

The 2021 RAV4 earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention tech. It missed the coveted “Top Safety Pick+” due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side crash tests.

The RAV4’s standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist. A 360-degree camera system was available in option packages.

Neither the NHTSA nor IIHS published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Lexus GX 460. The GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard.

However, the GX 460 lacked certain safety features found in other Lexus and non-luxury Toyota models, missing out on traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.