2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. It had sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper, but otherwise looked similar to the gas-only versions. Inside, it offered different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid came in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim adding features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition featured a Black Onyx exterior that eradicated almost all chrome, giving it a sleek, modern look. Despite its new appearance, the GX still looked dated compared to newer models. Inside, the cabin was crafted with high-quality materials and offered a quiet ride. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535 and included features like NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid used a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—and three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid weighed 194 pounds more than the gas-only version but had a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. It returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It had a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system. The GX's shape and weight contributed to a high drag coefficient of 0.35 and an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. On the testing loop, it returned 16.8 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. Cargo space was 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, slightly less than the gas-only version.

The 2022 Lexus GX had a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The rear seats were comfortable but difficult to access, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was slow to start, and the voice-recognition technology was limited. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the voice recognition technology was excellent. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 included Lexus Safety System+, which featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.