2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX came in several different trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid option named the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim allowed for seven due to its third row. After a significant facelift in 2020, the RX maintained its modern aesthetic, standing out for its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Distinct razor-sharp character lines and angular features gave the RX an eye-catching yet not excessive design. Paint options included seven flattering choices, with standout colors such as Nebula Gray Pearl and Grecian Water for the F Sport.

The F Sport trim was especially sporty in both performance and appearance, featuring 20-inch wheels, black housing for outside mirrors, dark window trimming, and unique front fascia with larger air intakes. In contrast, the base and L trims came with 18-inch wheels and bi-LED headlights.

Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin experience, with F Sport models adding a distinct sporty flair. Nearly a dozen color combinations were available, though F Sport trims exclusively featured black or dark red NuLuxe synthetic leather. While non-F Sport models could mix metal and wood trims, the center stack felt a bit dated, burdened by an abundance of buttons. Despite the 2020 refresh introducing new touchscreens, the overall design hadn’t changed much, and it showed.

Despite the luxurious materials, the F Sport seats lacked comfort, with a notably hard driver’s seat and limited lumbar support adjustability. Even with power-adjustable seats and steering column, it was challenging to find an ideal driving position, often feeling too close to the wheel. For those prioritizing looks, the limited-edition Black Line trim with its exclusive black-colored features presented a tempting option.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner based its 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) on the SR5 Premium trim, adding unique features such as retro body stripes, bronze 17-inch wheels, and a heritage grille design. This edition also included bronze interior badges and stitching, enhancing the nostalgic 70s vibe. Offered only in black, white, or red, with a black artificial leather interior, the extensive 4Runner lineup ranged from the SR5 to the Limited and TRD Pro trims.

Despite its age, the fifth-generation 4Runner maintained a classic, sturdy look reminiscent of truck-based SUVs of the past. The robust stance and solid, quality feel of the interior bulked up with purposeful plastic coverings and idiot-proof controls made it enduringly appealing. The bronze retro touches of the 40 ASE specifically created a cool, southern California vibe, enhancing its visual charm.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive an option, while AWD was standard for the hybrid.

Despite its aggressive design, the RX’s performance wasn’t remarkable. The engine sounded more like a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration felt sluggish. Even with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and other enhancements, the changes between drive modes like Normal and Sport were barely noticeable.

However, the RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly, making it a pleasant companion for long drives. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, while the RX hybrid offered 30 mpg combined, highlighting the hybrid's efficiency edge.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, it offered substantial capability. The 4Runner came with two 4WD systems: a part-time system standard in most trims and a full-time system available in the Limited trim. Fuel economy was 17 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of 16.9 mpg in the 40 ASE.

The 4Runner shone in off-road conditions, equipped with features such as Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Models like the TRD Sport and Limited aimed to improve on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro offered enhancements tailored for off-roading. The 4Runner handled well in challenging environments, effortlessly navigating through thick mud and standing water during extreme weather conditions.

In everyday urban use, the 4Runner’s performance revealed some drawbacks: leisurely acceleration, inconsistent brake response, heavy and slow steering, and a sense of invincibility that belied its capabilities.

The 2022 Lexus RX, in its two-row form, offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably fitting four adults, with five being slightly cramped. Front seats boasted 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. In the three-row L models, cargo space behind the third row was limited to 7.45 cubic feet, expanding to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. However, rear seats didn’t fold flat, and the high load-in height of the cargo area posed a challenge.

The RX incorporated thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot within the center console, adjustable-height cup holders, and a cargo net.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s practicality shone with its power rear window, allowing for excellent ventilation. However, its higher entry step could be problematic for shorter individuals. The cabin offered comfortable seating, with the 40 ASE using SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. While the second row was spacious, offering good leg and headroom, and USB charging ports, the third-row seat (available as an option) was less comfortable and reduced cargo space.

Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, extending to 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it significantly more spacious than the RX for cargo. Toyota’s tailgate bumper could also serve as a handy seat for outdoor activities.

Standard infotainment in the 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch upgrade option. Despite the ergonomic repositioning during the 2020 refresh, accessibility issues persisted due to the screen’s placement. The Lexus touchpad was particularly challenging, making menu navigation frustrating.

That said, the RX came with a comprehensive list of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and various premium audio systems. The Lexus App offered remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner kept technology straightforward, with traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system, while dated, was easy to use with large, glove-friendly buttons. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, connected services, and a hotspot option. Voice recognition worked reliably, though it couldn’t manage climate controls.

Upgrades like the navigation system and JBL premium sound system enhanced the 4Runner’s tech offering, ensuring that even with smaller screens and dated graphics, functionality remained user-friendly and dependable.

The 2022 Lexus RX’s Lexus Safety System 2.0+ came with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping and lane-tracing assists, and a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.

Despite its age, the RX earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its competitive safety.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner matched with Toyota Safety Sense, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. New for this model were standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it took time to regain speed, and the lane-departure warning beeped frequently. The NHTSA rated the 4Runner four stars overall, with a concerning three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance, reflecting its aging design and high ground clearance.