Auto Guide
2021 Lexus RX L
Used Expert recommended

Review and specifications

2021 Lexus RX L

Lexus has rolled out a three-row version of its RX, creating an alternative to customers who might otherwise buy an Acura MDX. The L has the comfortable ride, slick powertrain, and the good fit and finish of the standard-length RX, but it also gets the original’s clumsy handling and distracting controls. The standard RX L configuration seats seven; the optional second-row captain’s chairs limit seating to six. A single lever folds and slides the second-row seat forward, allowing a tiny path to the third row from either side. But that seat is tiny, and best for grade-school children; buyers will enjoy the extra cargo room more than the added seats. The L also comes as a hybrid, and all versions have the standard Lexus Safety System+, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic braking are optional, standard starting from 2021. 2022 is the final year for the RX L.

Market value
$47,900
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
7
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2021
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 5/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Luxury SUVs 3-row
Generation began
2018

Pricing

Original MSRP range
$47,900 - $51,110

Ratings

Road test score
76/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
79%
Reliability
5/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
18 MPG
EPA highway
25 MPG
EPA combined
21 MPG
Tested city
12 MPG
Tested highway
30 MPG
Tested overall
20 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,985
Cruising range
375 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.9 sec
0-60 mph
7.7 sec
60-0 mph braking
136 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
197 in
Width
75 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
110 in
Weight
4,650 lb
Maximum load
1,235 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 lb

Interior

Seating
7 people
Front head room
3.5 in
Front leg room
42 in
Rear head room
3.5 in
Rear leg room
30.5 in
Cargo volume
31 cu ft
Luggage
5+2+0

Owner feedback

Comfort
5/5
Driving
5/5
Styling
5/5
Value
2/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
4/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Lexus

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

Vehicle ID: 20160 First published: November 19, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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