2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load and unload children, especially in tight parking spaces. The third-row seat was comfortable enough for adults, and the cargo space was impressive, offering up to 144.9 cubic feet when the second-row seats were removed. The Odyssey's design, while adhering to the classic minivan look, included stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim. The interior was spacious and functional, with a low console between the front seats and plenty of storage space.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition added exclusive paint colors and a distinctive look. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior featured a disappointing amount of plastic, though it did include some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other blocky Toyota models, and its short wheelbase and minimal overhangs made it look ready for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was a front-wheel-drive vehicle with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked the all-wheel-drive and hybrid options available in some competitors, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, offering quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, its brakes tended to overheat on long downhill drives, leading to pedal vibration and an audible grumble.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX's fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but its handling was predictable and controllable. The brakes were strong and solid, capable of handling the vehicle's weight. The GX's four-wheel-drive system, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, made it adept at handling various terrains.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustments, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous cubbies and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Lexus GX had ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. The physical controls were a mix of hard buttons, which some might prefer over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was tight and best suited for occasional use. 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 both rows folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims added navigation, HondaLink connected services, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display and wireless headphones. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system felt outdated, with a small screen and a lack of a tuning knob. The embedded navigation system was also less user-friendly compared to smartphone-based options.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package for enhanced capability.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several ADAS features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a good level of protection.