2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 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 turbocharged NX 350, both in F Sport and Luxury trims, was a standout in terms of design.

Lexus urged an unmistakable brand identity through design, leaning heavily on its trademark spindle grille and a modernized yet minimalistic interior. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, enhancing passenger and cargo space. The NuLuxe simulated leather and real leather options in the Luxury variant, coupled with a panoramic sunroof available for the first time, elevated the luxurious feel.

The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with exclusive features such as a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, sporty and bolstered seats, a black headliner, and a new F Sport steering wheel, along with advanced instrumentation, catered to those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. Lexus's effort for a minimalist interior had a downside; the over-reliance on the 14-inch touchscreen for controls was initially confusing for users.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) built on the SR5 Premium trim and sold for $48,455, including the $1,335 destination charge. This special edition added retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and several bronze badges, creating a nostalgic look. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, this SUV carried a throwback vibe with a sense of California cool.

Toyota’s fifth-generation 4Runner had the enduring appeal of truck-based SUVs from decades past, boasting a solid and quality feel despite extensive use of plastic inside. The controls were large and easy to use, even with gloves on. The overall aesthetic played on the strong, rugged image that 4Runner fans appreciated, maintaining functionality over flair.

The 2022 Lexus NX impressed with its electrification options. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range, boasting both power and efficiency.

Particularly noteworthy was the NX 350 with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a quick response and smooth performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a credible 6.6 seconds. The NX featured Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport variant adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes for enhanced driving dynamics. The F Sport trim, in particular, delivered a taut and lean feel, perfect for winding desert roads, albeit with slightly higher noise levels than expected.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, provided robust performance across all trims. Its five-speed automatic transmission and 4WD options ensured well-rounded capability, including a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Two 4WD systems were offered: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system in the Limited trim. Despite its solid off-road capabilities and a respectable ground clearance of nine inches, the 4Runner's on-road performance felt leisurely. The steering was heavy and slow, and the SUV lacked a smooth ride on larger bumps. Notwithstanding these flaws, the 4Runner excelled off-road, equipped with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and various off-roading technologies like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. During testing, the 4Runner navigated muddy and wet conditions with ease but revealed its sluggish dynamics on paved roads.

Lexus highlighted the increased interior space in the NX, which included 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The NX offered a cozy and comfortable experience, with padded driver’s door panels and the side of the center console adding to the thoughtful design. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate space and conveniences like air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The available panoramic sunroof extended to the back seat, further elevating the comfort and luxury feel.

In contrast, the Toyota 4Runner offered a versatile and functional interior. Featuring a signature power-down rear window, the 4Runner facilitated excellent ventilation. The 40 ASE model came with SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats, while the Limited offered available leather seats. Despite the challenging climb for shorter individuals, the interior proved comfortable with ample storage.

Rear-seat space in the 4Runner was generous, and the seat provided excellent leg support and comfort. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat, expandable to an impressive 89.7 cubic feet. This setup afforded significant practicality for cargo, aligning well with the SUV's rugged personality.

Lexus took a significant leap forward with advanced technology in the 2022 NX. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays and natural voice recognition, integrated perfectly with the digital-native lifestyle. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected services. The system did away with the old Remote Touch Interface, upgrading to a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display, which, though prone to fingerprints, offered comprehensive functionality.

Moreover, the NX introduced advanced services like Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant technology, which proved user-friendly. However, the interface did lack some multi-tasking abilities, and the absence of a tuning knob was notable.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner maintained a more traditional approach to technology. Featuring analog gauges and an 8-inch infotainment display, it ensured ease of use with real knobs and buttons, appreciated especially when gloved. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Optional upgrades included a JBL premium sound system, additional connected services, and navigation.

Despite its dated graphics, the 4Runner’s infotainment system allowed simultaneous display of multiple functions, unlike newer systems. Voice recognition performed well, managing most commands efficiently, though it had limitations like not controlling cabin temperature due to manual controls.

The 2022 Lexus NX was a standout in safety, incorporating the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which encompassed features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, along with Curve Speed Management. Emergency Driving Stop System tested successfully, ensuring safety by bringing the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional available safety technologies included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, an adaptive front lighting system, and semi-autonomous parking assist, contributing to its robust safety profile.

On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner provided essential safety features through Toyota Safety Sense. Standard equipment comprised forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard across trims.

During testing, the 4Runner’s adaptive cruise control demonstrated smooth operation, although it lacked prompt acceleration after lane changes. The lane-departure warning system could be bothersome due to frequent alerts. NHTSA ratings highlighted the 4Runner’s age, with a four-star overall rating and three-star ratings for front passenger protection in frontal impacts and rollover resistance. The vehicle's high stance was a contributing factor to its lower safety scores.