2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus NX, which went on sale in December 2021, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. It offered a range of trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with prices starting from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding destination charges. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was available in F Sport and Luxury trims, showcasing a distinctive Lexus design with a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured a minimalist design with a focus on quality, though some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive.

The NX 350 F Sport stood out with its unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and an F Sport steering wheel with unique instrumentation. The interior design aimed for simplicity, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of the previous model. However, the reliance on the 14-inch touchscreen for many functions could be challenging for drivers to navigate quickly. Despite some minor drawbacks, the NX offered a high-quality interior with thoughtful features like an electronic shifter and physical controls for essential functions.

The 2023 Lexus RX, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase. It offered more cargo space, though still less than some rivals, and appeared smaller due to design changes like reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, a modern mesh texture, and a dramatically elevated hood. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, ensuring it was recognizable as a Lexus RX while offering a more conservative look compared to the previous model.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology made using the RX's features easier, though it required a subscription after three years. The RX offered high-quality materials, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in several trims, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and F Sport Handling, with pricing expected to be similar to the outgoing model.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h, a hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive on winding roads, while the Luxury trim offered a softer ride. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 F Sport Handling offered upgraded brakes, though the testing route didn't allow for a thorough comparison. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though observed results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system. 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 2023 Lexus RX 350 models were comfortable, though the F Sport Handling package's sport seat bolsters might be too snug for some. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, exclusive seat designs, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models offered exceptional comfort, with roomy and supportive back seats. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, though still not generous for the segment.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. The system eliminated the old Remote Touch Interface, offering a more user-friendly experience. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2023 Lexus RX also featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect was free for three years, including Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant. User profiles saved settings and preferences, and music streaming was available through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required tone adjustments for optimal sound. Digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and a digital rearview mirror were standard, with a color head-up display available.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also featured blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, and semi-autonomous parking assist. A Vision Package offered a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Lexus RX also featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with new items like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were new semi-autonomous driving technologies. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive, though not flawless, with issues like unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology. The RX also featured a driver monitoring system and front cross-traffic warnings, though the HUD was not visible with polarized sunglasses.