2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a descendant of the original 1996 model, had evolved significantly over five generations. Initially embraced by young buyers for its compact size and versatility, the RAV4 grew in dimension and sophistication, becoming a mature crossover SUV and a sales leader in the United States. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches, crisp lines, and expressive headlights, creating a playful yet aggressive exterior. 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 RX, while maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor, was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase. This redesign offered more cargo space and a modern, integrated spindle-style grille. The RX's exterior featured upswept body sides, flared rear fenders, and a light-blade taillight design, giving it a fresh yet familiar look. Inside, the RX showcased a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The cabin materials included NuLuxe artificial leather, real wood, and aluminum trims, ensuring a high-quality feel.

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 ranged from 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway for FWD models to 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway for AWD models. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower, 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway, and up to 42 miles on electricity alone.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the FWD model did so in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD models. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure and responsive ride.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 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 provided ample space for four adults, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second row could accommodate three passengers in a pinch, though the middle seat was less comfortable.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable and modern interior, with the Luxury trim featuring semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim offered sportier black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, an improvement over the previous generation but still modest for the segment.

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 included additional tech like five USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services. The system featured an Intelligent Assistant for natural voice recognition and user profiles for different drivers. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and available digital rearview mirror and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, including enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road sign assist. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous driving technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. While impressive, some features had limitations, such as the HUD visibility with polarized sunglasses and the curve-speed reduction technology.