2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase. This sixth-generation model adopted a more conservative design compared to its predecessor, which was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, maintaining a uniform exterior look. Inside, the EX-L offered leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob, enhancing the interior's quality over the standard cloth upholstery in the EX. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a digital instrumentation display, adding to the vehicle's modern and simplistic interior design.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a towering height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering exclusive paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, reflecting its low sales volume and cost-effective manufacturing approach. However, it still featured luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic, with big, flared fenders and a hood that provided better visibility for technical driving.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a smooth and engaging driving experience. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a comfortable ride over various terrains. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving, as tested on a mountainous route.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it more capable than most three-row crossovers. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest model yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered more space, with a high seating position and ample legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large center armrest bin and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area provided 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. The interior featured hard buttons for controls, which some users preferred over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. However, the technology package was considered basic compared to competitors, lacking premium features like a Bose sound system and navigation.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. It included a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The GX also featured a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player. While the touchscreen was an improvement, it lagged behind newer Lexus models in terms of graphics and responsiveness. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with an improved suite of driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a Traffic Jam Assist system and advanced airbag designs. The CR-V was built to Honda's latest safety standards, though it awaited crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included modern driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced features found in newer models. The GX's structural safety had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it benefited from Toyota and Lexus's commitment to safety technology.