2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant facelift, aimed at drawing in a younger demographic while maintaining the brand’s luxurious essence. With four model series—NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+—available in various trim levels like Base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, potential buyers had a plethora of options. Prices for these models ranged from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding a $1,075 destination charge. The NX 350, particularly in its F Sport and Luxury trims, showcased distinct styling features, including a unique mesh-pattern grille and 20-inch gloss black wheels for the F Sport. The Luxury trim offered opulent touches like real leather seating and open-pore wood trim.

The interior of the NX sought to reduce clutter, resulting in a minimalist design. However, this simplification came with its own set of challenges. Many functions, such as climate control, were integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen, making it initially challenging to navigate. Moreover, the symbols used weren’t always intuitive. Nevertheless, physical controls for essential functions like stereo volume and temperature adjustments remained, providing a small but critical familiar touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot completely rethought its exterior design. With a more rugged and substantial appearance, the new Pilot looked and felt brawnier, thanks to its upright grille and boxier styling. This update wasn't just cosmetic; the Pilot actually grew in size, adding 3.4 inches in length, up to 1.5 inches in width, and 0.8 inches in height. The TrailSport trim, specifically, emphasized its off-road capabilities with features like a taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, and chunky all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Pilot took a more conventional approach compared to some of Honda’s other newer models. Even though it may lack the visual impact of designs seen in the CR-V or Civic, it compensated with greater functionality. The interior was praised for being more versatile and meeting elevated material quality standards. Plus, the redesigned Pilot emphasized a tidy, utilitarian aesthetic without sacrificing attraction, making it a preferred choice over its predecessor.

The 2022 Lexus NX delivered impressive performance with its electrified options, particularly the NX 350h and NX 450h+. The NX 350h hybrid provided a combined output of 239 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and an estimated pure electric range of 36 miles. Additionally, the NX 350 boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, powered by an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model also featured a lower center of gravity and dynamic tuning, honed at the company’s Shimoyama technical center.

Driving was smooth and capable, especially for the NX 350 F Sport, which exhibited responsive and athletic performance. On the other hand, the Luxury trim offered a softer driving experience. Despite the impressive numbers, the turbocharged engine didn’t sound as refined as those in German rivals, and despite extensive noise dampening efforts, road and wind noise persisted. Moreover, the NX was not built for off-road adventures, with only 7.7 inches of ground clearance and limited approach and departure angles.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive came standard in the Elite and TrailSport trims. Initial acceleration was quick, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed. The brake pedal was suitably soft for a family SUV, making it easy to modulate for smooth stops.

While the steering felt confident in conservative driving, it didn’t encourage sporty maneuvers due to noticeable body roll. The Pilot was clearly tuned for comfort, making it ideal for family needs rather than thrill-seekers. The TrailSport trim provided a one-inch increase in ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making it capable of handling off-road excursions without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The new 2022 Lexus NX purportedly offered more room for passengers and cargo. However, it didn’t necessarily feel more spacious from the driver’s seat due to its intimate dashboard design. Comfort was a priority, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear provided ample room with air conditioning vents, heated seats, and USB ports. Practical storage space impressed in both seating rows, and the panoramic glass sunroof enhanced the rear seat experience. Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, boasting 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, extending to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot’s interior was more straightforward but extremely functional. While it might not have had the visual appeal of some other Honda models, it offered practical features like a dash shelf for the front passenger. Base models came with a seven-inch infotainment screen, while higher trims featured a nine-inch display. The Elite trim displayed additional refinements, such as a head-up display and a digital instrument panel. The Pilot shined with its stowable second-row center seat, allowing easy access to the third row. Ample space was available in the second row, and the third row, though less inviting, could accommodate average-sized adults for shorter trips.

Cargo capacity was particularly notable, offering 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, extending to 60.1 cubic feet with the second row flat, and maxing out at 114.3 cubic feet with all seats down. This provided approximately 30% more capacity than competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2022 Lexus NX leapfrogged its predecessors technologically. The new Lexus Interface infotainment system featured large touchscreen displays, voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. Gone was the much-maligned Remote Touch Interface. Instead, the NX came with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch display. Both featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, five connected service subscription plans, and OTA software updates.

The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems performed admirably, responding to commands prefaced with “OK Lexus.” User profiles stored individual settings and preferences, transferable to other Lexus models. Furthermore, additional technology included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability via an option package. However, the 14-inch screen was prone to collecting fingerprints and dust, and lacked multi-panel display capabilities.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda Pilot excelled in its practicality. Higher trims, starting from the EX-L, featured larger infotainment screens and wireless phone integration. The Elite trim introduced a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system functioned smoothly with logical layouts and large buttons, prioritizing function over form. Top trims also introduced advanced features like CabinTalk, a PA system for rear-seat communication, navigation, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims added the TrailWatch system for enhanced off-road awareness.

Lexus equipped the 2022 NX with its full suite of driver assistance features under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. New features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management demonstrated a commitment to safety. The Emergency Driving Stop System, designed to bring the vehicle to a halt if the driver became unresponsive, was an innovative feature. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist with digital-latch door releases.

Similarly, the 2023 Honda Pilot came well-equipped with safety features. Honda Sensing included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and a driver attention monitor as standard. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and front and rear parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims also featured surround-view and multi-view camera systems. In practical tests, Honda’s adaptive cruise control performed smoothly and accurately.