2023 Honda HR-V vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model, finished in Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of the two new colors available. The HR-V Sport trim featured 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, and a more aggressive grille, while the EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof.

Inside, the HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with metal honeycomb grilles hiding the vents and touch-sensitive reading and map lights. The center console's sculptural shape added to the thoughtful design, and the quality of materials in the EX-L trim belied the HR-V's entry-level status. Despite the fastback look, visibility remained excellent, with larger rear seat windows and door-mounted mirrors improving the range of vision.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, had a commanding visual presence. The front end looked ready to conquer the road, framed by massive headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was engineered for off-road adventures.

The GX's interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment. While it featured heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, the abundance of plastic materials detracted from its luxury status. The GX's low sales volume meant Lexus needed to keep manufacturing costs low, resulting in a dated design. Despite this, the GX's driving dynamics were surprisingly communicative, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the 2022 model, and the updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) incorporated a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by pulling the shifter back. The HR-V was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with new front and fully independent rear suspensions enhancing its driving dynamics. Despite its improvements, the HR-V remained noisier at higher speeds compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was impressive, but its fuel economy was less so, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners, and its brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls, parking brake, and hill-descent control. The rear seats sacrificed less than half an inch of headroom for the new fastback look, with 39.4 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the rear. Cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's 60/40 split rear seats created a nearly flat floor when folded down, and the interior passenger volume varied slightly between trims. Front row legroom improved to 41.9 inches, while rear legroom decreased to 37.7 inches.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX featured hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend toward haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row offered comfortable captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open. Cargo space was limited, with 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 folded.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchscreen with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also featured a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. All HR-Vs came with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch color touchscreen display, with three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and varying audio systems depending on the trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in competing models. The GX's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), and an Off-Road Package adding various off-road features.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. New for 2023 were traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V also featured a driver-attention monitor, a blind-spot information system on Sport and EX-L trims, and front and rear parking sensors on the EX-L trim. The 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received high safety ratings.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured several ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a good level of safety for its occupants.