2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid 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 seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The 2022 model retained the modern and sporty design introduced in its 2020 facelift, featuring a revised grille and other exterior enhancements. Competing in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, particularly in the front and rear.

The F Sport trim was the most performance-oriented and athletic in appearance, boasting 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, dark window trimming, F Sport badging, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The RX's interior mirrored its exterior luxury, with nearly a dozen color combinations available. F Sport models added sporty elements like model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. Despite its high-quality materials, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable than expected. The limited-edition Black Line trim offered high-end looks with exclusive black-colored features and contrast gray stitching throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a more muscular stance, and featured modernized D-pillar taillights with three L shapes each. The Sport Touring trim, driven for this review, showcased special Sport styling, including black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. The interior followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials. The honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents was less obtrusive, and the contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added an attractive touch.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two high-torque electric motors for a total output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an optional F Sport Handling package with adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. However, the drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+) offered minimal differences in driving dynamics.

The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with slight variations for AWD and three-row models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with the updated Real Time AWD system capable of sending up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. A new "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience.

The CR-V Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, with the FWD Sport trim achieving 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined. The AWD version was slightly less efficient but still competitive.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the standard two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. Headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, offering 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V's interior featured a cubby designed to hold two smartphones, eight cupholders, and a traditional console layout providing best-in-class storage. The Sport Touring model included a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning within a cove on the center stack created access issues. The touchpad controller was frustrating to use, and the drive mode selector's placement added to the confusion. However, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, parking sensors, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five-star rating from the NHTSA.