2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty aesthetic, standing out with its aggressive styling among midsize luxury crossovers like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced look. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels and unique design elements, enhancing its athletic appearance. Inside, the RX's cabin exuded luxury, with F Sport models adding sporty touches. Despite its high-quality materials, the center stack felt somewhat dated, and the seats, especially in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market since its 1996 debut, had evolved significantly over five generations. By 2022, it was a mature and popular choice, often topping U.S. sales charts. While its exterior design blended with contemporary crossovers, closer inspection revealed distinctive angular wheel arches and expressive headlights, giving it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. Unique design elements, like a circuit-board-inspired pattern, tied the cabin together, adding a touch of sophistication. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased these features, highlighting the RAV4's blend of practicality and style.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX was exclusively AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and sluggish acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an optional Handling package, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and minimal road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD and AWD options. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine paired with an electric motor for 217 combined hp, achieving 41 mpg city and 40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 hp and could run 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The Adventure AWD model tested provided smooth power delivery and responsive handling, thanks to its naturally aspirated engine and conventional transmission. The RAV4's car-like handling and independent suspension contributed to its popularity, with AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved performance.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear. Legroom was ample, with 44.1 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo capacity in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The L models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable cup holders, though the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was spacious and comfortable for four, with ample legroom and storage options. The front row featured individual bucket seats and a roomy center console, while the second-row bench seat could accommodate three passengers in a pinch.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The system was responsive, but the touchpad control was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch screen, with an 11-speaker JBL audio system available on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a bird’s-eye view camera system. The top trim also offered a 10-inch color head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five stars overall.