2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding to its distinctive look. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a more contemporary appearance, closely resembling its gas-only counterparts but with unique "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The interior was well-appointed, with supportive front seats and a spacious rear seat that provided ample legroom. The CR-V Hybrid's cabin featured high-quality materials, although the fake wood trim was a minor drawback. Overall, the CR-V Hybrid's interior was comfortable and practical, with thoughtful design elements that enhanced passenger comfort.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty 5,130-pound weight became apparent at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for challenging terrains. It also boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized 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. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. It provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and predictable handling. Despite its hybrid nature, the CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 33.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg. Nevertheless, it offered a balanced ride and improved weight distribution due to the battery pack's placement.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and challenging to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making it more suitable as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats provided excellent support, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seat offered remarkable legroom, accommodating adults comfortably. Interior storage was impressive, although the wireless smartphone charger occupied significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was configured for maximum utility, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, though slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were available for ease of use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was optional, but the overall tech experience felt primitive for a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, while not outdated in appearance, performed below expectations. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice recognition was limited, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for natural interaction. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, but the overall infotainment experience was underwhelming compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, ensuring a high level of safety for occupants.