2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 exhibited a design that reflected its long tenure in the market. Its basic body shell had remained consistent for nearly a decade, receiving periodic updates. Notably, the GX sported the bold Lexus spindle grille since 2014, which was refreshed with a new textured insert in 2020 alongside the introduction of triple-beam LED headlights. No further styling changes were made for the 2021 model, although new standard silver 18-inch wheels became a feature of the Premium trim level. While the styling was coherent and aggressive, exuding a strong SUV persona, the interior did not match up to the standard of a modern luxury SUV. The GX's interior looked and felt dated, with wood trim appearing more like molded plastic and extensive actual plastic usage, despite the standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX dazzled with modern and sporty aesthetics. Available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels for its gas powertrain, and as the RX 450h hybrid, it stood out in the competitive midsize luxury crossover segment with its aggressive styling. The RX radiated sharp character lines and angular features that maintained a balanced, eye-catching appearance. The F Sport trim further enhanced the sporty look with unique features like 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, and specialized badging. Internally, the RX maintained luxurious appeal across trims, offering numerous color combinations and a quality feel. However, the center stack felt slightly dated, potentially due to the overly abundant buttons, despite the 2020 refresh that introduced new touchscreens.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 relied on a singular 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided significant grunt from a stop and a nostalgic NASCAR bellow at full throttle, the GX's substantial 5,130-pound weight became noticeable at higher speeds. Accelerating or overtaking required meticulous planning, and braking demanded advanced forethought. The SUV showed its traditional roots with body-on-frame construction, leading to pronounced body roll and mediocre ride quality, despite the optional adaptive suspension in the Luxury trim. Its enduring appeal lay in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package further augmented its prowess with features like a transmission cooler and Crawl Control.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus RX offered varied powertrains. The RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with two electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. Despite the sporty F Sport trim and an adaptive variable suspension borrowed from the LC500 sports car, the RX disappointed in real-world performance. Its engine note lacked excitement, and acceleration was underwhelming. Drive modes like Sport and Sport+ made minimal difference in driving dynamics, while Normal became the default comfortable setting. However, the RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly and providing a serene environment for long drives. The hybrid variant struck a balance with a commendable fuel efficiency rating of 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics underscored its dated design. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle, combined with a tall seating position, evoked a bus-like driving experience. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent side window view but compromised forward visibility due to the tall hood. Storage solutions like a small center-console bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders were insufficient. The GX came standard with three rows of seats, although only the first two offered adequate space. The power-folding third row, available on higher trims, was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space, quoted at 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded, lagged behind competitors like the Land Rover Discovery, and the third row, when upright, left minimal cargo room.

The 2022 Lexus RX's two-row variant provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger space, comfortably seating four adults with the fifth seat being suitable for short trips. Headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, while front legroom was an ample 44.1 inches, with 38.0 inches available in the back. The three-row L models used the same wheelbase as the two-row version, making the third row suitable mainly for groceries. Cargo capacity behind the second row was 16.0 cubic feet, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the row folded down. In three-row models, cargo capacity was 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. Additionally, the RX included thoughtful touches like a smartphone slot in the center console and an adjustable-height cup holder.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features due to its age. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, but it notably lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Two USB ports were provided for the first two rows, but none for the third row. Available was a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. The touchscreen's primitive interface was supplemented by analog controls for various functions, offering a refreshing break from the screen-centric interfaces prevalent in other luxury SUVs.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional 12.3-inch upgrade. The screens were ergonomically challenging, with a lip from the center stack obstructing access. While responsive, accessing the screen was difficult, with touch and voice commands offering mixed results. The touchpad was particularly frustrating, leading to frequent mis-selections. However, the RX boasted a suite of tech amenities like six USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, premium audio systems, and the Lexus App for personalized settings.