2021 Lexus RX 350 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is an SUV powered by a 3.5L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 26–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Lexus RX 350 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Lexus RX 350: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 28 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 243 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Lexus RX 350, all with the 3.5L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 23 mpg (US), or 26 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (19/26) | 252 | $3,050 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 243 | $2,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Lexus RX 350
Running Costs: 2021 Lexus RX 350
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Lexus RX 350 at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Lexus RX 350 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus RX 350 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lexus RX 350. The most-reported areas are Air bags (47), Unspecified (8), Structure (5). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 9 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 57 complaints across the 17 Lexus RX 350 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Lexus RX 350
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (47 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Body structure (5 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Electrical system (4 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Lexus RX 350 compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 243 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 28 mpg average for Lexus models in our database.
Of the 17 Lexus RX 350 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Lexus RX 350 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Lexus RX 350
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Lexus RX 350 have?
It's fitted with a 3.5L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 26 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Lexus RX 350 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX 350 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Lexus RX 350 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus RX 350 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Lexus RX 350?
Among the 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (47 complaints), Unspecified (8 complaints), Structure (5 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Lexus RX 350's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.