The 2021 Lexus RX lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor brake and stereo system issues reported. At $44,825 to $55,625, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the most reliable midsize luxury SUVs on the market.
Is the 2021 Lexus RX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is an excellent year for the Lexus RX since it’s very reliable with an upscale interior. Owner reviews praise the low maintenance costs, comfortable interior, along with the advanced technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for the price, the seats are very comfortable on long trips, although cargo space is lower than some competitors.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2021 Lexus RX. Models from 2009 through 2021 are all very reliable midsize SUVs.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is oaky from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not the fastest midsize SUV on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Lexus RX is very safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights along with parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 441 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other midsize SUVs at $260 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Lexus RX may be expensive, although slow depreciation along with low ownership costs make it a great value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus RX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Lexus RX offers a driver experience that accentuates comfort and luxury with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 RX at 4.2/5, praising the high-quality interior materials, but doesn’t like the touchpad controller.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Lexus RX a 4.1/5, enjoying the comfortable suspension, but owners don’t like the small third-row seats.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Lexus RX Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Lexus RX include premature brake wear, the stereo system freezing, along with some noise from the wheel hubs. Overall, these problems are minor for a luxury midsize SUV, leading to low repair bills as the RX ages.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Lexus RX, showing up in the first 20,000 miles. The front brakes in particular tend to wear down quickly, and the pads need to be replaced. Changing out the brake pads costs around $200. If there’s any wear to the rotor then they are roughly $400 for the front set.
The stereo system freezing is another issue that some owners report at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system that improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Some noise from the front wheel hubs has also been reported on the 2021 RX at around 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is just caused by a wheel bearing which could have had grease wear off. Inspecting and fixing wheel bearings can cost around $100, while a new bearing is around $350 installed.
There’s only one recall on the 2021 Lexus RX, which is better than many other SUVs on the market. The rear transport hook may damage the fuel filler pipe. Lexus will remove the hook on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Lexus RX Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Lexus RX can last around 300,000 miles, which is much longer than many other luxury SUVs including the BMW X5. Regular annual maintenance costs are much lower than other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $489 per year.
As a used 2021 Lexus RX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission oil cooler line for $255, seat heater module costing $700, along with the fuel sending unit which costs $900.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent with a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Optional upgrades include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen as well as a more powerful Mark Levinson stereo system.
Standard driver assistance features are great offering Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 which includes:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane Tracing assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive headlights
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
Is the 2021 Lexus RX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Lexus RX is a good value since it offers good luxury paired with some of the latest technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $44,825 to $55,625, making it more than a Lincoln Nautilus or Cadillac XT5. When new, the price range was $45,220 to $55,450. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, only losing around 1% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus RX?
There are two main models of the 2021 Lexus RX offered, including the Base and F Sport. There are also various options packages available on both. The RX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an optional upgrade
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Keyless Entry With Push Button Start
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
F Sport offers a more dynamic driving experience adding:
- 20-Inch Wheels
- Unique Steering Wheel
- Improved Sport Springs And Dampers
- Aluminum Interior Trim
- Heated Steering Wheel
Options Available On Both Include:
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Power Folding Rear Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- 3-Inch Touchscreen
- 12-Speaker Audio System
- Handling Package
- Towing Package
- 15-Speaker Mark Levinson Stereo
What Engines Come In the Lexus RX?
The engine found in the 2021 Lexus RX is a reasonably strong 3.5L V6 which makes 295 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. It comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Lexus RX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus RX?
The 2021 Lexus RX is renowned for its luxurious and comfortable interior, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a plush and relaxing driving experience. The cabin features high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, elegant wood trim, and premium leather upholstery. The seats are designed to provide exceptional support and comfort for both short and long drives. In addition to ample legroom and headroom for up to five passengers, the RX also offers a quiet ride, thanks to its advanced noise insulation.
Additionally, the vehicle comes with an array of standard and available features that enhance overall comfort, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The infotainment system includes a user-friendly interface, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system to keep passengers entertained. With its focus on delivering a serene and comfortable environment, the 2021 Lexus RX is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a refined and luxurious midsize SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus RX Have?
The 2021 Lexus RX is a luxurious midsize SUV that offers a comfortable and spacious interior for both passengers and cargo. In terms of storage space, this model provides a generous 18.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats.
For those who need more room for their belongings, the rear seats can be folded down to create a flat loading area, expanding the cargo capacity to an impressive 56.3 cubic feet. This ample storage space makes the 2021 Lexus RX a versatile choice for families, road trips, or anyone in need of a practical yet sophisticated vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Lexus RX was launched for the 2016 model year, and will be replaced by the fifth generation in 2023.
2015: Standard LED headlights, a rearview camera, along with a new 7-inch display.
2016: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2017: F-Sport model added to the lineup, more standard safety equipment offered.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: Lexus Enform Connect smartphone applications offered.
2020: Minor exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered, suspension upgraded.
2021: New features include blind spot monitoring along with a wireless smartphone charging pad.
How Does the Lexus RX Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Lexus RX is one of the best luxury SUVs on the market since it combines outstanding reliability, advanced safety, along with a very upscale interior for the money.
The Lexus NX is a smaller SUV offered by Lexus for about $3,000 less. Where the Lexus NX stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Lexus RX offers more passenger room. We recommend the Lexus RX since it’s more practical, but it’s worth testing both to see which you prefer.
The Mercedes GLE is another luxury SUV which costs about $4,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Mercedes GLE, while the Lexus RX has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Lexus RX since it’s more reliable as they age, although it’s worth checking out both to see which you like.
