“cons: seat comfort is not what it should be for a luxury car. engine noise is louder than expected, possibly standard in a hybrid vehicle? pros: gas mileage, superior handling. safety features, i.e. cameras, braking, lane departure. overall quality”
2021 Lexus RX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Lexus RX is a light update led by blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becoming standard across the two-row RX and longer RXL lineup. The trim range also expands, but the vehicle otherwise carries over from the 2020 refresh.
About the 2021 Lexus RX
4th generation RX (2016-2022), including the longer RXL body style introduced for 2018; 2021 is the second year after the 2020 mid-cycle update.
Lexus positions the RX as the brand’s original luxury crossover: a roomy, quiet, comfort-first SUV that mixes upscale materials, bold styling, easy daily usefulness and strong safety technology. The pitch is less about sharp performance than about low-stress luxury ownership, smooth road manners and flexible choice within one model family, including a V6, a hybrid, and longer three-row versions for shoppers who need extra seating.
The RX 350 is the comfort-focused two-row model, while the RX 450h pairs a 308-hp hybrid system with standard AWD and does not need plug-in charging. Longer RX 350L and RX 450hL models add a power-folding third row, and F SPORT Handling versions add adaptive suspension and sharper steering responses.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard across the RX and RXL lineup.
Tech and convenience
A touchscreen and power-folding auto-dimming outside mirrors become standard across the lineup. A wireless charging pad is newly offered as optional equipment.
Trim lineup
RX 350 F SPORT Handling, RX 350L Luxury, RX 450h F SPORT Handling and RX 450hL Luxury join the trim range. The F SPORT Handling name replaces the former F SPORT Performance Package name.
2021 Lexus RX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, ECVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 31 mpg | 29 mpg | 20 mpg | 31 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 295 hp | 308 hp | 308 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 308 hp | 308 hp | 295 hp | 308 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 32.6 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 58.5 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 23.5 in | 38 in | 22.6 in | 38 in | 23.5 in | 38 in | 22.6 in | ||
| Seats | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 6 | ||
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Lexus RX?
The biggest change is standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert across every 2021 RX and RXL. Power-folding auto-dimming outside mirrors also become standard.
How different is the 2021 Lexus RX from the 2020 model?
The 2021 RX is only a light update over the 2020 model. It gains more standard safety and convenience equipment, an optional wireless charging pad and an expanded trim range, while the design and basic mechanical setup carry over from the 2020 refresh.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX have a hybrid version?
Yes. The two-row RX 450h and three-row RX 450hL use a 308-hp hybrid system with standard electronic AWD, and neither requires plug-in charging.
What does F SPORT Handling mean on the 2021 Lexus RX?
F SPORT Handling is the new name for the former F SPORT Performance Package. It goes beyond the standard F SPORT appearance treatment by adding adaptive suspension, sport-tuned steering and a Sport S+ driving mode.
Which 2021 Lexus RX models have a third row?
The RX 350L and RX 450hL models have a power-folding third row. The hybrid RX 450hL also has standard second-row captain’s chairs and electronic AWD.
2021 Lexus RX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lexus RX.
4.3
2021 Lexus RX
(477 reviews)
“The Lexus RX 354 H is a superior vehicle that is easy to handle with a smooth and luxurious ride. It's exceptional”
“It's just a beautiful and comfortable car to drive. Make sure you get as many options as you can, they are great.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2021 Lexus Rx 350 And 450H
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2021 Lexus Rx 350L Rx 450Hl
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus RX Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2022 Lexus Rx 350 And 450H
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2020 Lexus Rx And Rxl Open A New Chapter For The Iconic Luxury Crossover
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2021 Lexus Rx 350 F Sport
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2021 Lexus Rx 450H
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2021 Lexus Rx 450H F Sport