2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a modern touch. However, the interior did not match the luxury standards expected from a modern SUV, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance felt dated.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 presented a more contemporary design, fitting well within the current crossover aesthetic. Its exterior featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines, complemented by expressive headlights and a distinctive grille. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, offering a more modern and cohesive design. The interior was functional, with a well-placed touchscreen interface and thoughtful design elements that tied the cabin together.

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 was noticeable 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 capabilities, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for challenging terrains. It also offered a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime added electric motors for increased power and efficiency, with the Prime delivering an impressive 302 horsepower. The RAV4's performance was smooth and responsive, with good fuel economy across all models. The RAV4 retained car-like handling, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring in AWD models. It also offered a range of drive modes to suit different driving conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and storage options. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. The interior was well-equipped with cupholders, bottle holders, and storage compartments, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on technology, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were available for ease of use. The GX did offer a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a robust suite of technology features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech, such as a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The RAV4's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly, catering to tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from NHTSA.