2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, was a striking vehicle that eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. Despite its bold appearance, the GX quickly accumulated dust, making it look drab and old. The design of the GX, with its signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, remained largely unchanged from its first-generation model, giving it an outdated look. However, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet interior, with only the faint roar of the V8 engine audible.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, including the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, showcased a more modern and minimalistic design. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuded luxury, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a sportier look with black interior and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX's new design, however, was not without its flaws, as the blunt-nosed appearance and reduced rear overhang made it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted contemporary textures and detailing, with backlit ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, was not particularly potent but offered a satisfying engine note and plenty of refinement. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its high drag coefficient of 0.35 and heavy curb weight resulted in a poor fuel economy of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while providing a stable and secure ride on pavement. Despite its slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal, the GX remained surprisingly agreeable to drive, especially with the Off-Road Package available on the Luxury trim level.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it achieved a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering provided a more athletic and confident driving experience. Despite some frustrations with the infotainment system and fuel economy falling short of estimates, the RX 350h offered a more secure and comfortable ride, with an average of 32 mpg during testing.

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 comfortable NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo space of 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 down.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the RX 350h Luxury offering ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger side bolsters and standard leather. The hybrids' battery packs under the back seat resulted in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The new RX offered increased cargo space of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, a significant improvement over the previous model.

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 simultaneous display of navigation and radio, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The touchscreen's size was appreciated, but it only displayed one menu at a time, and the lack of a tuning knob was frustrating. The available head-up display and dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel were problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses. Despite these issues, the new system represented a significant upgrade.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its older structural design, 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. The GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, but its simplicity contributed to a favorable driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system were also included. The new Traffic Jam Assist system allowed low-speed, hands-free driving, and Advanced Park was available. While some features were frustrating, the overall safety technology represented a significant advancement.