DecodedCars2021 Lexus RX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 350 4dr SUV, 350l 4dr SUV, 450h 4dr SUV, 450hl 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 259–290 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 31 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 192.5–196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,453–4,905 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 60% better than the average 2021 standard SUV (18.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 290 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Lexus RX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,453 lb (350 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (31 city / 28 highway), 60% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 RX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 RX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Cambridge, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 RX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 74.8 in | 67.7 in | 109.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,453 lb | 58/42 |
| 350l 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,619 lb | 55/45 |
| 450h 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 74.8 in | 67.7 in | 109.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,740 lb | 56/44 |
| 450hl 4dr SUV | 196.9 in | 74.8 in | 67.3 in | 109.8 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,905 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 450h AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 / 28 / 30 | +60% | $2,750 | 297 |
| RX 450h L AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 28 / 29 | +54% | $2,850 | 305 |
| RX 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -13% | $2,900 | 391 |
| RX 350 L | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -17% | $3,050 | 407 |
| RX 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 405 |
| RX 350 L AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 432 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Lexus RX.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus RX (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Volvo XC90 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap · Feb 3, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V043000 · 1,081 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus RX350 and 2021 RX350 vehicles. The transport hook may not have been removed prior to sale. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- During a rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Lexus will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, remove the rear transport hook, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2021. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus' number for this recall is 21LA01.
Not every 2021 Lexus RX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Lexus RX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 47 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus RX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2025 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 24 |
| 2024 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 61 |
| 2023 RX | 36 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 67 |
| 2022 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 39 |
| 2020 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 56 |
| 2019 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2018 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 47 |
| 2017 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 103 |
| 2016 RX | 30 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 93 |
| 2015 RX | 29 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 67 |
| 2014 RX | 29 | 187.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →