2021 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer and friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs, which typically featured more traditional and intimidating designs. Its distinctive styling included unique window lines converging near the taillights, housing the rear door handles. Most trims came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport model boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior, though plain, was functional and well-constructed, with good material quality. Higher trims offered features like push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats, with leather upholstery available on the EX-L model.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition embraced a bold black-on-black aesthetic, eliminating chrome for a sleek, modern look. Despite its contemporary exterior, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's reputation for quality, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX offered a range of trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim, starting at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX's interior was crafted with care, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available across all trims. However, the HR-V's powertrain was considered underpowered for highway driving, with the CVT compounding the issue. Despite this, the HR-V's chassis offered a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda's reputation for fun cars. Its all-wheel-drive system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capabilities.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX's powertrain provided a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Despite its hefty curb weight and high drag coefficient, the GX achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced the GX's ride quality, making it stable and secure. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space, thanks to its "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it offered 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), surpassing many competitors. The HR-V also provided ample rear-seat legroom, leading its segment in this category. While interior storage solutions were limited, the HR-V featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob, making it user-friendly.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow design made it maneuverable in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, and the side-swinging tailgate made loading cumbersome. With the third-row seat stowed, the GX provided 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim included Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. Upgrading to the Sport trim added a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The EX and EX-L models offered SiriusXM satellite radio. While the infotainment system was functional, the optional 7-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard on the base trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX also offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed, making them difficult to use. The GX's Intuitive Parking Assist technology became standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras available.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. Honda Sensing safety features were available on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it included Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The GX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and evasive steering assist.