2022 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a far cry from its 1996 debut as a compact alternative to large SUVs, had evolved into a mature crossover SUV. Over five generations, it grew in size and sophistication, becoming a sales leader in the United States. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body-side bends. Its expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings created a playful yet aggressive Kabuki-like face. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, a touchscreen interface, and distinctive design cues like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and 74.2-inch overall height, had a commanding presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was engineered for off-road capability. The interior, though marred by an abundance of plastic, featured luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. However, the GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to handle in technical driving.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 net hp and an EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 hp, 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined, and up to 42 miles on electricity alone.

The 2023 Lexus GX's defining feature was its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX's V8 lagged behind more modern engines in terms of performance and fuel economy, achieving just 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable but not class-leading. Its weight made it roll through corners, though predictably and controllably. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a 4WD system with a 40:60 front:rear split, enhancing its off-road capability.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds and towing capacities ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the model. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with ample storage options and a well-designed front row. The second-row middle seat was less comfortable but manageable for short trips.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, including a deep center console bin and a handy space for a phone. The GX retained hard buttons for controls, a blessing for those who preferred physical interfaces. The center console lid featured sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row, with captain's chairs or a bench seat, offered good legroom and excellent headroom. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down, less than the RAV4's capacity.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and navigation. The RAV4 Prime offered five USB ports, two 12-volt power outlets, an available 120-volt AC power outlet, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Advanced features included a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch color head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus GX's 10.3-inch touchscreen, introduced in 2022, included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX came with three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the GX's tech lagged behind newer Lexus models, with slower touchscreen response and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, featuring a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. It also had LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, and Safety Connect with emergency assistance. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all RAV4 models, offered a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and more. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older design, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was significantly newer than its body design.