2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX showcased a bold and aggressive aesthetic that set it apart from its competitors in the midsize luxury crossover segment. Available in multiple trims including the base 350, F Sport, and L (the three-row, 7-passenger option), the RX offered a modern and sporty design. The RX 450h hybrid variant added another layer of eco-friendliness. With a razor-sharp exterior that flirted with the line between striking and excessive, the RX managed to stay satisfying and eye-catching. Its color palette included new options like Cloudburst Gray and Iridium, while the F Sport trims introduced the sporty Grecian Water. The F Sport trim also differentiated itself with 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, dark window trimming, and an aggressive front fascia.

Inside, the RX continued its high-fashion ethos with a range of luxurious materials and nearly a dozen color combinations. F Sport versions brought a sporty vibe with Scored Aluminum accents and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Non-F Sport models offered a mix of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats with various trim pairings. However, the cabin design felt a bit dated, possibly due to the abundance of buttons and an unchanged center stack since its 2020 refresh. The comfort level of the NuLuxe seats was lacking, with less than satisfactory lumbar support and a difficult-to-adjust driving position.

On the contrary, the 2023 Honda CR-V sported a more conservative look with a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. This sixth-generation CR-V offered a cleaner, more timeless design compared to its predecessor. The EX and EX-L trims both featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, sharing an external likeness. Inside, the EX-L stood out with leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, as opposed to the cloth upholstery in the EX. The dashboard drew inspiration from the latest Civic, featuring metal mesh trim that housed the air vents.

The CR-V exuded simplicity and quality, with both trims coming equipped with a digital instrumentation display. The EX-L went a step further with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, added tech features, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. It was clear that while the CR-V might not be as flashy, it offered an understated, sophisticated design that was likely to age well.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors to the mix, bringing the combined output to 308 horsepower. Both models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. While FWD was standard on the RX 350, AWD was available and standard on all hybrid models.

Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's real-world performance was underwhelming. The engine note resembled a turbocharged four-cylinder more than a V6, and acceleration felt lethargic. The Lexus RX F Sport, despite having front and rear performance dampers and additional tuning bits like an adaptive variable suspension, did not significantly elevate its driving dynamics. Drive modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ offered little variability in performance, making Normal mode the go-to setting for most drives. The RX did excel in ride comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches effortlessly and maintaining a serene driving experience.

Fuel efficiency for the RX ranged from 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined for the RX 350, to more efficient figures for the hybrid model at 31 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 30 combined for the RX 450h.

The 2023 Honda CR-V inherited the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from its predecessor, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the engine powered either the front or all four wheels. The CVT, however, detracted from the driving experience with its loud droning noise during hard acceleration.

Nevertheless, the CR-V impressed with its ride and handling. Honda's refinements to the suspension, steering, and brakes made for an enjoyable drive, handling speed bumps, uneven pavement, and curves with aplomb. Despite its unremarkable CVT, the CR-V delivered a Fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Lexus RX's interior was built to accommodate four adults with 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. It could seat five, but the middle rear seat was best for short trips. Front seats offered 39.4 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, while rear seats provided 39.1 inches of headroom and 38 inches of legroom. The three-row RX 350L had limited cargo space, offering just 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, increasing to 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and up to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. Standard RX models provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Honda CR-V positioned itself as the roomiest CR-V yet, although the driver’s seat felt lower to the ground, giving it a car-like feel. Outward visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort with heated front seats as standard. The second row felt more spacious, providing a taller seating position with ample thigh support and rear legroom. Taller passengers might find headroom limited, but adjustable seatback recline positions mitigated this issue. Cargo-wise, the CR-V excelled with 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Standard infotainment for the 2022 Lexus RX included an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradable to a 12.3-inch version. Both screens were responsive but ergonomically challenging due to their positioning and a lip in front of the display. The touchpad controller was frustratingly hypersensitive and not user-friendly. The RX offered quality tech features like six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and multiple premium audio system options. The Lexus App provided added personalization and remote functionalities.

For the 2023 Honda CR-V, all models featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel. The EX trim had a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with large volume and tuning knobs, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim upgraded to a 9-inch display and included features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. The top-tier tech, including a Bose premium sound system, was reserved for the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Overall, Honda’s tech brought the CR-V up to par with its rivals, although it didn’t exceed them in a meaningful way.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping and lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights but scored four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda CR-V saw significant safety upgrades with new camera and radar units under the Honda Sensing umbrella. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. New additions were a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring system, and traffic sign recognition. A new Traffic Jam Assist system provided added driving assist in low-speed situations. Honda expected the CR-V to excel in crash tests, though it awaited final assessments from the NHTSA and IIHS.