2021 Lexus RX Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If someone is looking for a luxury SUV that has it all, from style and convenience to reliability and capability, the 2021 Lexus RX would be an excellent choice. This model has been around for awhile, and there are many reasons why Lexus has had such success with this SUV. It has an ideal size that many people find practical, and it has plenty of amenities.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 350 vs 350L Trims. What is the Difference?

Though it's the lowest trim of the Lexus RX, the 350 is still quite impressive. It runs on a V6 engine that has a displacement of 3.5 liters, just like the 350 L and all of the other models with "350" in their trim names. This engine can output 295 horsepower, and with 268 pound-feet of torque, it feels powerful.

Both the 350 and 350 L can come with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive versions can improve performance on both dry and wet roads, as they can respond to changing conditions by adjusting how power is sent to the front and rear wheels. Regardless of what type of drivetrain is selected, the engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled through the use of paddle shifters.

Fuel economy is estimated to be 20/27 (city/highway) miles per gallon on front-wheel-drive RX 350s and 19/26 miles per gallon on all-wheel-drive versions. The 350L is slightly less efficient, just by one mile per gallon. The two trims use the same 18-inch alloy wheels, with 20-inch wheels being available as an upgrade.

Where the differences between these trims are evident is inside the cabin. The Lexus RX 350L has a third-row seat that some people will find desirable. This back row has space for two additional passengers. It may be best to leave this row for the kids since the limited leg room would make most adults uncomfortable. Since the row has a power-folding feature, it's quick and easy to fold it down when not needed.

Other standard features on the 350L not seen in the 350 are a second-row storage compartment and a climate system that has three zones. The storage compartment has two USB ports so people in the back can keep their devices charged.

A few upgrades are seen on the exterior of the SUV when moving from the 350 to the 350L. The 350L has aluminum roof rails as standard components; these are only options on the 350. In addition, the 350L has a concealed exhaust.

From a technology standpoint, the 350 and 350L are on the same level. For example, they both have driver-assist systems that can continually monitor the situation and warn drivers if there is a potential problem. In some cases, such as when the driver is about to hit something in front of the vehicle or is veering out of a lane, the SUV can make the necessary corrections. Both trims have smartphone compatibility, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM, along with eight-inch touchscreens.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 350L vs 350 F Sport Trim Level. What is the Difference?

This comparison is where the differences are more obvious. The 350 F Sport has many more mechanical components that improve the way it drives. Its specially tuned performance dampers and suspension system can smooth out the ride and help the Lexus take turns at higher speeds. Available on the F Sport are several other features, to include a Sport S+ driving mode, an adaptive variable suspension that does even better than the standard F Sport-tuned suspension, and electronic power steering. To make the whole driving experience more exciting, the F Sport has special instrumentation that may be similar to what is seen in some types of race cars.

Some may notice right away that the 350 F Sport has nicer wheels than the 350L does. It has 20-inch wheels with a split-10-spoke design. It also has a F Sport grille, F Sport badging, and a F Sport rear valance. Black side mirrors add to the bold vibe of this model.

Enhancing the aesthetic of the F Sport are a few extra interior elements. The 350 F Sport has a premium aluminum trim in various places in the cabin, and it has a F Sport steering wheel covered with perforated leather. Aluminum has been used on the pedals and scuff plates, and it contrasts nicely with the black headliner.

The seats in the F Sport have a sportier design than those of the 350L. There is an option to get heated and ventilated seats in the front row of the 350 F Sport. In the 350L, there's that same option, and there are available heated second-row seats.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 350 F Sport vs 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition. What is the Difference?

As its name suggests, the 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition has a lot of black elements. Black is found on the seats, which have white and blue accents, and there are black floor mats and wheels. Since it only costs less than one thousand dollars to upgrade from the F Sport the Black Line, it makes sense that there are more similarities than differences between the two.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition vs 450h Trim. What is the Difference?

At the 450 level, the Lexus RX starts to have all-wheel drive as a standard component. Also, the amount of horsepower is increased when moving from a 350 to a 450. This is because the 450 models are hybrids. They run on the same gas engines that the other RXs have, plus they have electric motors. This combination results in 308 horsepower.

The estimated fuel economy of the hybrid RX can be up to 31/28 miles per gallon. The 450h has an electric driving mode that people can select whenever they want to be as efficient as possible. In this driving mode, the SUV will rely exclusively on battery power; it's ideal for driving short distances at low speeds. To upgrade from the 350 with AWD to the 450h, it costs about $1,500. Many people will feel that this amount is well worth it to get the vehicle with greater efficiency.

Other than what's under the hood, the 450h is similar to the 350 base model. It doesn't have all of the stylistic elements that the Black Line Special Edition has, but more on the 450h F Sport Black Line Special Edition will be included in a later section.

The 450h comes with the option to get a moonroof as well as a power liftgate that can be opened in a hands-free way. Since the liftgate, which Lexus calls a rear door, has a kick sensor, someone can keep holding their groceries, bags, or gear and simply move his/her foot underneath the sensor to open up the SUV and access the cargo area. That cargo area is slightly smaller in the 450h than the 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition (and all the other 350 models), since Lexus had to find some space to accommodate all of the battery packs and related hybrid components.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 450h vs 450hl Trims. What is the difference?

The 450hl distinguishes itself from the 450h by having a third row. Having that third row is important to many people, including drivers with big families who plan on hauling a lot of kids from one activity to another. For them, having those extra seats means they have a lot more flexibility in terms of how they can arrange their cabins, and the loss in cargo space is acceptable.

Standard in the 450hl are captain's chairs in the middle row. It opens up the middle section so people can more easily get in and out of the third row. In total, the 450hl has six seats. Having three separate climate zones can be nice, especially when different passengers have different comfort levels.

The technology package in the 450hl is identical to what's found in the 450h. They both come standard with Wi-Fi capability and the eight-inch touchscreen that was previously mentioned, and they can be upgraded with 12.3-inch touchscreens. Navigation can also be integrated into these models for an extra charge. As part of a package, navigation comes with a 12-speaker sound system.

Lexus Enform Remote is a program that lets the RX communicate with one's smartphone. Through the Lexus app, people can remotely start their engines, lock or unlock their doors, and check how much gas they have left in their tanks.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl vs 450h F Sport. What is the Difference?

There's only a modest price jump associated with going from the 450hl to the 450h F Sport. The 450h F Sport doesn't have the third row that the 450hl has, but it does have a lot of performance-enhancing components, like a high-quality suspension and dampers. People who really like how it feels to accelerate and push things to the limits will definitely notice the enhanced handling of the F Sport.

Going along with the athletic nature of the 450h F Sport are many stylistic elements. These are also found on the 350 F Sport, and they include aluminum pedals, bolsters in the front seats, and a shifter covered with perforated leather.

Like all the rest of the trims, the 450h F Sport has NuLuxe seats. NuLuxe is a synthetic leather that's soft, durable, and easy to clean. Upon first glance, it could even look like real leather. If one prefers having leather seats, the 450hl can be upgraded with perforated semi-aniline leather seats as part of the Luxury Package. This package includes a number of features, to include ambient lighting and a heated steering wheel made with leather and wood.

Compare the 2021 Lexus RX 450h F Sport vs 450h F Sport Black Line Special Edition. What is the Difference?

The Black Line edition of the 450h F Sport has a more aggressive appearance. Black wheels, the black surround around the grille, and the special exterior graphics can attract some attention. Inside the cabin, the dark color scheme continues, and it's broken up by the blue stitching on the seats and the white accents that really pop.

Which Trim to Choose?

Given the growing concerns that many people have with their fuel consumption, the 450 models of the 2021 Lexus RX are recommended. As hybrids, they can be fueled up at the gas station, and they don't need to be plugged in. Plus, they have more horsepower than their non-hybrid counterparts, so it's really a win-win situation.

The RX is certainly a luxury vehicle, as shown by its many high-end elements. The relatively expensive price tag gets bigger and bigger once more features are added on to the SUV. That's why the 450h is the trim that's recommended. It doesn't have all the details that are included in the F Sport or the F Sport Black Line, but that won't matter to most people. What they likely care about is safety, technology, comfort, and convenience, and the Lexus RX 450h has all of that.