2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. However, it took less than a day for a layer of brown dust to coat the Lexus, making it look drab and old. Despite its modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX still looked dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere, with only the faint roar of the V8 engine audible.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a significant styling departure from its predecessors. The new model was assertive, tougher, and more truck-like, with a longer and wider stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, and the rear end appeared blockier, mimicking the bold front fascia. The Sport Touring trim we reviewed came in deep Canyon River Blue, featuring black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the design followed the premium feel seen in the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 5,126-pound curb weight, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This setup allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40% of the power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. However, its boxy shape and high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine and always-on 4WD, resulted in a fuel economy of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing body motions on pavement, making it surprisingly agreeable to drive despite its slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, capable of traveling up to 115 mph and towing up to 1,000 pounds. The CR-V Hybrid offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with the updated Real Time AWD system sending up to 50% of the engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it a fuel-efficient option.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations, though the slow steering required extra effort. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. However, the rear seat access was tricky due to narrow door openings, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, and the cargo space was limited to 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.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with its larger exterior, offered more interior volume, including 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior included a cubby for two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a best-in-class storage console. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, maximizing headroom and cargo space flexibility.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The dual-screen view allowed for simultaneous navigation and radio display, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, a heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structure, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, parking sensors, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid also featured new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure for additional crash protection, earning it a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.