2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers, giving it a distinctive presence. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna, making it mechanically ordinary. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as matte black wheels and unique interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing it from other Toyota models. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter and more durable than leather, though real leather wasn't available even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, aimed to appeal to those who loved black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a sleek, monochromatic look. However, the GX's design, including the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, couldn't hide its dated appearance, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. The interior, while similar in theme to the original GX, featured high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, with the faint roar of the standard V8 engine being the only notable noise.

The GX 460 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 GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX remained surprisingly agreeable to drive, thanks to Lexus's efforts to refine its ride and handling. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the Sport driving mode only added weight to the steering, diminishing its responsiveness.

On the highway, the RAV4 excelled, with low cabin noise levels and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road capability was a focus for Toyota, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featuring a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road also had model-specific suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, allowing it to handle rougher terrain. However, its limited suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles were potential liabilities on challenging off-road trails.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of refinement. The GX's 7.8-second run to 60 mph was leisurely, but the torque contributed to a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The 4WD system, always on, sent 40% of the engine's power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.

The GX's tall and narrow design resulted in a high drag coefficient of 0.35, contributing to its poor fuel economy of 16 mpg in combined driving. The standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing excessive body motions, making the GX feel stable and secure. Despite its age, the GX remained capable off-road, especially with the optional Off-Road Package, which included Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, skid plates, improved drivetrain cooling, and off-road cameras.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4's tall, upright roof provided ample headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats in the TRD Off-Road model were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long road trips less appealing. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat didn't slide fore and aft like those in some competitors, and cargo space, at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, was above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, even with gloves on, but the center console storage was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations, though the slow steering required extra effort. The seats were comfortable, with padding in all the right places, and the Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat was tricky to access due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to reach. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, less than the RAV4.

Loading the GX was cumbersome due to its side-swinging tailgate, which wasn't power-operated or hands-free. The high load floor, necessitated by the stowed third-row seat, made loading heavy objects challenging.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited model had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was an option. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics, but it wasn't particularly flashy. The gasoline RAV4 didn't offer a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over the previous model. The screen was easy to see and use, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate.

For 2022, Lexus made its Intuitive Parking Assist technology standard, along with front and rear parking sensors. Surround-view and terrain-view cameras were available as upgrades.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating due to mixed headlight scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the RAV4 a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist, with a 360-degree camera system available in certain packages.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking recent crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features might appeal to some buyers who prefer fewer driving aids.