2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also contributed to its actual increase in size, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its standard RX 350 counterpart, with the RX 350h Luxury test vehicle lacking any distinct hybrid badges. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model, however, stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, and aggressive bumper designs. The RX models retained their blunt-nosed look, with a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang, making the new 2023 RX appear smaller despite being about the same size as the outgoing model. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner, more minimalistic appearance, with contemporary textures and detailing, and backlit ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model featured luxurious Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over performance, with light steering effort for easy maneuvering. The TrailSport model added an inch of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains, with the RX 350h producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. It included an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering for enhanced athleticism. The RX 500h's six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in hybrids, but its fuel economy fell short of estimates, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 350h, however, averaged 32 mpg, offering better efficiency and a more secure feel in curves.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior featured a conventional design with a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. The Pilot offered logical placement of climate and drive mode controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. Clever storage solutions included a stowable second-row center seat, providing a pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity reached 114.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control in the RX 350h Luxury model. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard-grade leather. The hybrids' battery packs were housed under the back seat, offering excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, an improvement over the previous model but still short compared to some rivals.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk, navigation, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were available on higher trims. The TrailSport and Elite trims included the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered Drive Connect with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system worked reasonably well, though it had some limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and reflections on the touchscreen. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The system had some user-experience issues, but overall, it was a significant upgrade.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-jam assist, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, automatic high beams, and driver attention monitor. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was available, slowing the RX when releasing the accelerator pedal. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert system's visual indicators not being visible with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction tech was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.