2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition offered a luxurious yet striking appearance. It predominantly came in a Black Onyx color, with some models also available in Starfire Pearl or Nori Green Pearl. The Black Line treatment eliminated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a bold, monochromatic statement. However, the vehicle quickly showed dirt, proving difficult to keep clean.

Despite its modern enhancements like the signature spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights, the Lexus GX maintained a somewhat dated look. The overall exterior design closely resembled earlier generations, giving an impression of timelessness, and some might say, obsolescence. Inside, the vehicle exuded Lexus's renowned quality, featuring smooth and refined finishes. The cabin was exceptionally quiet, with only the low hum of the V8 engine breaking the silence.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V showcased a modern, cleaner look with a blunt nose, long hood, and an extended wheelbase. The new design, though less personality-driven than its predecessor, promised to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L models featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, adding to its conservative yet elegant exterior. Inside, the EX-L boasted leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob, enhancing its premium feel over the EX's cloth upholstery. The dashboard design mirrored that of the latest Civic, emphasizing simplicity and quality with metal mesh trim and a clear line of demarcation.

For the 2022 Lexus GX, performance was driven by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. Despite its substantial curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX could tow up to 6,500 pounds. It managed a 0-60 mph sprint in a leisurely 7.8 seconds. The GX featured a high drag coefficient of 0.35 and an EPA estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg combined, slightly surpassing this with 16.8 mpg on real-world tests.

On the driving front, the GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) made the SUV versatile for both on and off-road conditions. The package provided stable handling and minimized body motion, although the heavy steering and touchy brake pedal could make urban driving laborious. An Off-Road Package introduced features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and additional cameras for those seeking adventure.

The 2023 Honda CR-V's power came from a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. A CVT managed power distribution to either the front or all four wheels. Despite the CVT's somewhat intrusive noise during high-stress maneuvers, the vehicle excelled in ride and handling. Honda's engineering provided remarkable suspension, steering, and brakes, allowing the CR-V to navigate varied road conditions smoothly. The CVT's contribution to fuel efficiency was evident, with the test vehicle achieving 29.1 mpg, slightly above the EPA estimate of 29 mpg combined.

The Lexus GX's interior provided an elevated driving position from its 10-way power-adjustable seat, with excellent outward visibility. Designed for diverse markets, its tall, narrow, and short frame made it maneuverable, though the slow steering required more effort. The interior comfort was high, featuring NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim exclusive to the Black Line Special Edition. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and triple-zone climate control were standard. However, accessing the rear seats was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated significant cargo space. The GX offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

Conversely, the Honda CR-V's interior space felt more optimized. The driver’s seat provided a lower, car-like position with excellent visibility. The second row was notably spacious, offering more room than the front. Rear passengers enjoyed high seating positions, good thigh support, and significant legroom, though taller individuals might find headroom limited. Practical storage solutions were abundant throughout the cabin. The CR-V offered 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, better accommodating various hauling needs.

The 2022 Lexus GX marked its technological advancement with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. While the GX retained some outdated controls, the new system was user-friendly and featured voice recognition. Lexus incorporated front and rear parking sensors, with the option for surround-view and terrain-view cameras. Notably, a CD player remained, catering to nostalgic users.

For the 2023 Honda CR-V, technology advanced with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, which included essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of physical controls. The EX-L trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with added features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and an eight-speaker sound system. However, to access premium navigation and advanced sound systems, one had to opt for the higher Sport Touring Hybrid trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally older, did not have contemporary crash-test ratings. Nevertheless, it was equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but advanced technologies seen in newer models were lacking.

Honda significantly upgraded the CR-V's safety systems for 2023. The Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features, such as a traffic sign recognition system and a driver monitoring system, were also included. The new CR-V met Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) standards, promising improved crash safety.