MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Lexus RX 450hl

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
69Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE LEXUS RX 450HL

The Lexus RX 450hL is a three-row luxury hybrid SUV aimed squarely at families who want premium refinement without sacrificing practicality. Sitting at the top of the RX lineup, the 450hL pairs a proven hybrid powertrain with a stretched wheelbase to accommodate a third row, competing in a segment where buyers expect both comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

VERDICT

The 2021 Lexus RX 450hl earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Lexus RX 450hL as one of the more polished and composed luxury hybrid SUVs in its class, praising its smooth ride, upscale cabin, and refined hybrid integration. Most note that the third row is better suited to children than adults, and that the driving experience prioritizes comfort and serenity over outright sportiness.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15963

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Lexus RX 450hl at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

9reported crash
0reported fire
9reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsAir Bags 47Unknown Or Other 7Structure 4Forward Collision Avoidance 4Seat Belts 4Service Brakes 3

Other RX 450hl years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15963), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Lexus Rx 450hl 2021. Class rank 59 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure