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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $45,454–$53,341 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Lexus RX at 8.2/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 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. We score reliability at 7.7/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.5/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.3/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $45,454–$53,341, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus RX sits in the premium tier of the suv category. Value is where it presses its advantage — 9.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. 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.
Our take: The 2021 Lexus RX is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is safety and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 RX ranks #29 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 99% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $45,454 starting price is about 26% 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 RX scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.2 — and starts roughly $4,500 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 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.5/10 | $51,448 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $49,950 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $48,451 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $46,953 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $45,454 | |
| 2020 | 8.3/10 | $43,956 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.2/10 | $42,457 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $40,959 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $39,460 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $37,962 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $36,463 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 20/12/2023 · 23V865000 | 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,… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.