2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Lexus GX Black Line Special Edition offered something for lovers of black-on-black vehicles, although keeping it spotless was quite the task. This special edition eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, and paired with the Black Onyx paint, it made the SUV a rolling embodiment of a black hole. Notably, the Lexus showed signs of age with a design that was reminiscent of its predecessors, save for the signature spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the GX featured a luxurious cabin with a high-quality build and a quiet, refined atmosphere, although the overall design remained consistent with earlier models. 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, was priced starting at $60,535.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot had a fully redesigned appearance that featured a more rugged and substantial look. With its upright grille and boxier styling, it appeared larger than its predecessor, which it was—being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller. This new look perfectly complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. Inside, the Pilot boasted a more conventional yet highly functional design. Materials quality met contemporary expectations, and the overall interior aesthetics were both attractive and utilitarian. The Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing appeal.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 came equipped with a hefty 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Weighing in at 5,126 pounds, this powertrain was not particularly potent but offered a satisfying engine note and refined performance. The GX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a leisurely 7.8 seconds, helped by its torque. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with an always-on 4WD system allowed for good stability and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) provided a stable drive, though the steering was slow and heavy, making parking a chore. Optional Off-Road Packages offered enhanced off-road capabilities with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

The 2023 Honda Pilot used a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available or standard on certain trims like the Elite and TrailSport. The Pilot had quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine sound under stress. The brake pedal was soft but easy to modulate for smooth stops. The Pilot performed confidently on corners, although it exhibited noticeable body roll. The suspension was designed for comfort rather than performance, with steering effort being feather-light, especially useful in tight spaces. For off-roading enthusiasts, the TrailSport model added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, striking a balance between daily utility and off-road capability.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a tall, narrow build that made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior included comfortable seats and ample padding, with traditional physical controls that simplified interaction. However, the arrangement of controls could be confusing, especially near the stereo and off-roading features. The Black Line Special Edition offered simulated leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats. The second-row provided ample space but had tricky access due to narrow door openings, while the third-row was cramped and hard to access. Cargo capacity was limited with the third-row up, offering just 11.6 cubic feet. With the third-row stowed, it provided 46.7 cubic feet, and with all seats down, it maxed out at 64.7 cubic feet. Loading was cumbersome due to the side-swinging tailgate.

In comparison, the 2023 Honda Pilot had a more conventional interior layout with user-friendly features. Trim levels varied in terms of infotainment screen size and additional functionalities, like the handy dash shelf. The Pilot excelled in storage space, featuring large cupholders, a spacious center console bin, and ample front door storage. The second-row had a stowable center seat, offering a useful pass-through to the third row. The second row was spacious and comfortable for adults over six feet tall, while the third row was tighter but still suitable for average-sized adults on short trips. Cargo space was abundant, with 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 60.1 cubic feet with the second row down, and a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet—significantly more than the Lexus GX.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, finally modernizing its technology suite. The screen was well-placed, eradicating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. It included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a navigation system. For audio enthusiasts, there was an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system, although the test vehicle did not have it. The placement of the stereo and off-roading controls was somewhat confusing, with stereo knobs hard to grasp compared to the more prominent DAC and 4WD knobs. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were notable highlights. Intuitive Parking Assist was standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

For the 2023 Honda Pilot, stepping up to the EX-L trim level offered a more comprehensive tech suite. This included a larger infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims featured a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The touchscreen had quick responses and a logical layout, although the graphics were not state-of-the-art. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk PA system, navigation, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims had the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road awareness.

The 2022 Lexus GX did not have crash-test ratings from either the NHTSA or IIHS due to its aging structure. However, it came with the standard Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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. Notably, some modern driving aids were absent, which could either be a drawback or a relief depending on the buyer’s preference for tech intrusion.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had yet to receive crash-test results from the NHTSA, but Honda was confident in expecting top scores. It did, however, receive a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. All Pilot trims came equipped with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims included low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims also offered surround-view and multi-view camera systems. During testing, these safety features functioned as intended without triggering false alarms.