2023 Lexus GX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, giving it a commanding presence on the road. Its front end, with large headlights, was designed to dominate the road ahead. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering exclusive paint colors like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to maneuver in technical driving situations. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal, though it did offer features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a muscular stance, and featured modernized taillights with three L shapes for a more aggressive look. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, showcased special Sport styling with black accents and larger wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed Honda's trend towards a premium feel, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching. The interior design was consistent with other Honda models, offering a more refined and cohesive look.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind other SUVs. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, and its Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with improved responsiveness and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, and featured an updated Real Time AWD system. It also offered a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid's FWD version achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, and its door pockets were small. The GX retained physical controls, which some drivers appreciated, but the abundance of buttons could be overwhelming. The second row offered comfort, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, resulting in increased interior volume. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and wide-opening rear doors facilitated easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V Hybrid's interior design included a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, providing ample storage options.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, its technology felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics and an unnecessary Remote Touch Interface. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a 7-inch touchscreen with physical knobs, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Touring trim added features like wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. While it missed some top-end features, it offered a solid suite of safety technologies.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, including improved collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist systems. New features like traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition were standard, along with a blind-spot information system. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA, thanks to its updated structure and increased visibility.