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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $84,247–$99,145 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Lexus LX is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.5/10. The LX nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.7/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. On technology it rates 8.1/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $84,247–$99,145, 17 MPG, seating 8, the Lexus LX sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Lexus LX will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Lexus LX ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $84,247 starting price is about 134% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Lexus LX scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $8,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $95,357 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $95,357 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $92,580 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $89,802 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $87,025 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $84,247 | |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $81,470 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $78,693 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $75,915 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $73,138 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $70,360 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $67,583 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.