2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The design philosophy behind the 2022 Toyota 4Runner was unmistakably adventurous, preserving its rugged roots that dated back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. The 4Runner retained its link to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, which was evident from its boxy proportions and high ride height, tailored for off-road ventures. Unlike other SUVs that evolved into more car-like creatures, the 4Runner stayed true to its traditional SUV concept.

Toyota’s deliberate intention in keeping the 4Runner’s design was strategic. With the Highlander handling family duties, the 4Runner was allowed to remain a niche vehicle for true adventurers. The model’s front bumper was sharply angled, designed for approaching obstacles, which highlighted that its form was driven by function. However, the interior design did not quite match modern standards, as it last saw a complete redesign in 2009, leaving the dash layout feeling dated.

The trims for the 2022 4Runner ranged from SR5 to the upscale Limited, with each adding unique features. For instance, the Trail Special Edition we drove featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels and a notable “Lunar Rock” paint. The TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited each catered to different driving preferences, from road performance to off-road ruggedness. Inside, prospective buyers could enjoy features such as synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a variety of advanced driver assistance features depending on the trim.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid reflected a shift towards a more refined aesthetic. Lexus took steps to modernize the RX lineup, resulting in a vehicle that appeared sleeker, though the visual imbalance over the front wheels remained a slight drawback. The RX 350h Luxury we drove in California boasted a cleaner and more minimalistic cabin and contemporary textures featuring Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim. Our Copper-painted RX 500h F Sport Performance model, on the other hand, showcased a sportier interior with artificial suede accents and a thicker F Sport steering wheel.

From the outside, differentiating between a standard RX 350 and an RX 350h was practically impossible without seeing the badge on the liftgate. For those who preferred a subtler hybrid look without distinctive badges or panel designs, this was a plus. The RX 500h F Sport Performance did distinguish itself with a more aggressive exterior comprising matte-black 21-inch wheels and blacked-out styling details.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a singular engine option across its trims: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, this engine powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. Although reliable, the engine performance felt outdated and somewhat underwhelming in standard driving conditions. The ride quality on pavement was harsh and cumbersome, indicative of its truck-based roots, but off-road it excelled by absorbing rough terrain with ease. Notably, the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims featured advanced off-road technologies such as Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their capability further.

Moving to Lexus, the 2023 RX hybrid models brought a noteworthy contrast in performance attributes. The RX 350h utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system to produce 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. While less powerful, the RX 350h promised better fuel efficiency, aiming for 36 mpg combined, though our testing averaged closer to 32 mpg. It felt more secure in curves and quieter thanks to the GA-K vehicle architecture and battery pack placement, making the driving experience serene and economical.

In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance packed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, coupled with a hybrid system to yield an impressive 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. This drove the SUV from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds. The RX 500h also benefitted from an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its agility and driving enjoyment. However, fuel economy suffered, with real-world usage averaging only 20.9 mpg, falling short of the projected 27 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner prioritized rugged durability and functionality over modern comforts. This reflected in its cargo capacities which, while substantial, fell short of some modern expectations. The two-row 4Runner offered 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, reducing slightly to 47.2 cubic feet with the second row in use. Opting for the three-row version saw maximum cargo capacity drop to 88.8 cubic feet, with just 9 cubic feet behind the third row. However, the absence of a power rear liftgate was somewhat mitigated by the convenient power-operated rear window.

On the interior, the cabin felt dated, and despite being well-equipped for its era, it showed its age. The packaging was not as efficient as more recent models, emphasizing that though functional, the 4Runner didn’t maximize internal space as well as it could.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more refined take on interior comfort and space. Our RX 350h Luxury trim offered ten-way power-adjustable front seats wrapped in semi-aniline leather and a three-zone automatic climate control system that ensured comfort even in hotter climates. The RX 500h F Sport Performance’s eight-way power adjustment and larger bolsters were practical but not as luxurious.

Regarding cargo space, the new RX models provided 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures surpassed those of the predecessor RX 450h and aligned with the standard RX 350, meaning the hybrid powertrain did not compromise cargo volume. Despite improvements, it fell short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system was basic but reliable. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen surrounded by hard buttons and dials, providing essential connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup was practical, especially for off-road driving, where gloves might be used. Optional upgrades included navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. Nevertheless, compared to newer systems, it lacked advancements like a head-up display.

Conversely, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a significant leap in technology with its new Lexus Interface system. While advanced, it required subscription-based services to fully utilize features like cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. Setting up a user profile ensured personalized settings across Lexus and Toyota models. The system performed well, albeit with some quirks, like occasional inaccuracies from the digital assistant and the frustrating single-screen menu view.

Additionally, the head-up display was a mixed bag. Though informative, it was less effective for drivers with polarized sunglasses. The steering wheel's touch-sensing control pads were also cumbersome, designed to indicate functions in the HUD, adding a layer of complexity and potential distraction.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, boasted a range of safety features. Standard in the Toyota Safety Sense suite were forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. However, advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view parking camera were optional.

The 4Runner's safety ratings included a four-star rating in frontal and side-impact tests and three stars in rollover testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid stepped up with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, introducing new features like motorcycle detection, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was another helpful addition, though it occasionally caused irritation with its alerts and responsiveness. An advanced Traffic Jam Assist system enabled low-speed, hands-free driving, enhancing the vehicle’s safety envelope.