2021 NX vs. 2021 RX: Which Lexus SUV best suits your lifestyle?

Lexus was one of the pioneers of the SUV industry. In fact, the luxury vehicle manufacturer didn't hesitate to design and put the RX into production as early as 1998! The RX offered a level of technical refinement and luxury rarely achieved at the time, while at the same time offering innovative styling. Building on this success, Lexus has developed and marketed no less than four generations of RXs to date, each one redefining the standards of the category.

The Japan-based automaker will also enter the premium compact SUV segment in August 2014, when production of the all-new Lexus NX luxury SUV begins. Like its big brother, the Lexus NX will be a huge success. But today, faced with these two Lexus bestsellers, it's hard to choose. So 2021 Lexus NX or 2021 RX? Lexus Pointe-Claire, your Lexus dealer of choice in Montreal, will help you with this dilemma!

Style: similar features, but more compact for the NX compared to a larger RX.

First round in this 2021 Lexus NX vs. 2021 Lexus RX confrontation: the exterior design. On this point, the two SUVs have a lot of similarities, especially on the front end. Indeed, both have the iconic chiselled headlights typical of today's Lexus, but also the huge spindle-shaped front grille. It's hard to tell them apart!

It's more with the sides and rear that you can make your choice in terms of styling. From the side, the NX boasts impressive muscularity with sculpted wheel wells and door bottoms, while the RX offers less pronounced fenders and flanks. The NX's ultra-athletic appearance is further enhanced by the fact that it's much shorter than its big brother (NX: 4,640 mm vs. RX: 4,890-5,000 mm). In contrast, the RX looks slender and flowing in its lines. These impressions are finally confirmed on the stern of our two protagonists, with very aggressive optics for the 2021 NX, while taillights on the RX feature fewer sharp angles.

So, if you're looking for an SUV with very athletic lines, the 2021 Lexus NX will be the model to choose. If you want a dynamic yet more discreet and elegant design, the 2021 Lexus RX will be the one that suits you best from the West Island to Laval.

Mechanics: outstanding liveliness for the 2021 NX, a lot of power for the 2021 RX.

Second point between the 2021 Lexus RX and the 2021 Lexus NX: the technical specifications. Here, the differences are more objective and obvious; the RX favors horsepower, and the 2021 NX is more nervous, while offering a still high level of power.

In the RX, you'll have access to a 3.5L six-cylinder engine generating, depending on the version, 290 hp (RX 350 L) or 295 hp (RX 350) for combustion models. Hybrid variants, on the other hand, see this engine combined with an electric unit to provide 308 net hp (RX 450h and 450h L). Depending on the variant you choose, you will be able to enjoy either a very efficient 8-speed automatic transmission or an ECVT transmission. 

As for the 2021 NX, you will be entitled to four-cylinder engines in each version, which will deliver 235 hp (NX 300) or 194 hp when combined with the electric system of the hybrid version (NX 300h). Power will be delivered through a Super ECT transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission in the case of the NX 300, and through an ECVT transmission in the case of the NX 300H. However, while all NX models are less powerful than the current RX models, they are lighter with an operating weight ranging from 1,755 to 1,896 kg (vs. 1990 to 2,225 kg for the RX) and a shorter wheelbase (2,660 mm vs. 2,790 mm for the RX). This will result in a much more dynamic ride for the 2021 NX compared to the 2021 RX.

So if you're looking for power above all else, the 2021 RX is for you. For more responsiveness and want a more exciting ride, the 2021 NX series is the one for you.

Interior: more driving oriented for the NX, but more versatile for the RX.

Finally, the interior. On this last chapter, a difference in philosophy is once again clear. Indeed, the interior design of the NX is much more refined than that of the RX range. As a result, the 2021 NX offers an atmosphere conducive to driving. For its part, the RX offers much greater versatility, since, depending on the variant chosen, you can carry up to seven passengers with all their luggage in absolute comfort. So if you want a cockpit that focuses on the road, choose one of our 2021 NX in the Greater Montreal area. If, on the other hand, daily practicality must be at the forefront, consider one of our 2021 RX!

In terms of equipment however, depending on the model you choose and the level of finish, you'll be able to benefit from the best between the West Island, Montreal and Laval. Integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces for your smartphone, inductive charging, 12.3-inch touch screen, or Mark Levinson's audio system: you'll have all the luxury and technology Lexus has to offer to comfortably face your daily life in the metropolitan area!

So choose the NX for its dynamism, and the RX for its incomparable practicality.

In absolute terms, there will be no bad choice between a 2021 RX and a 2021 NX. Only a choice that is less adapted to your situation. So the compact NX SUV will be for those who want an excellent compromise between power, dynamic handling and size. As for our RX models available between Laval and the West Island, these will be primarily aimed at those who need space and everyday versatility, like a parent, all with a lot more horsepower. Still hesitating between the 2021 NX and 2021 RX? Come and see us today at Lexus Pointe-Claire, your Lexus dealer of choice in Greater Montreal! It will be our pleasure to help you acquire your next Lexus SUV. We look forward to seeing you soon at our dealership!