2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, available trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and the turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trim levels.

The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its jutting spindle grille and refined styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models featured NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and a new F Sport steering wheel. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be confusing to use initially. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner traced its roots back to the SUV craze of the 1980s, maintaining its rugged construction and relationship to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Toyota kept the 4Runner as a niche vehicle for off-road enthusiasts, while the Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's design emphasized adventure, with a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the dash layout was reminiscent of the late 2000s, reflecting its last full redesign in 2009.

Trims for the 2022 4Runner included SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited. Standard features on the SR5 included push-button start, remote keyless entry, a power-sliding rear window, satellite radio, multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Trail Special Edition featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint scheme, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck. The TRD Sport had road-oriented touches, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro were geared towards off-road performance. The Limited trim featured more road-oriented features like 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX was a dynamic improvement over its predecessor, but the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine didn't sound as refined as its German rivals. Handling impressed in both versions, but the F Sport did a better job of isolating impacts from road imperfections.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks, bumps, and root beds. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, with an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling on and off the trail. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, though it didn't necessarily feel that way from the driver's seat. The new dashboard design created a more intimate and cozy feeling. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model offered 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner featured a power-open/close rear window, but not a power rear liftgate. The cabin packaging was not as efficient as more modern SUVs, but it was not cramped and offered plenty of storage spaces.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were optional. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen, making it easy to use even with gloves on. While it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it covered the tech basics and relied on tactile controls.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system were optional. The TRD Pro included an off-road camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.