2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its commanding spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches (slightly less in Luxury trim), certainly made an impression. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, and the sizeable headlights framed its distinctive face effectively.

After its debut in 2022, the GX Black Line Special Edition returned in 2023 with only 3,000 units available. It offered three distinct paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl (new for 2023), and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

However, when viewed from the side, the GX’s dimensions seemed to contract. With a short 109.8-inch wheelbase—shorter than even a two-door Jeep Wrangler's 118.4 inches—it presented minimal overhangs at the front and rear. Despite its luxury badge, it genuinely looked engineered for overcoming obstacles. Big, flared fenders contributed to its chunky motif, but its overall aesthetic leaned sleeker compared to Toyota’s more blocky designs.

The interior of the GX, while featuring some luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, was somewhat let down by the extensive use of plastic materials. This plastic presence somewhat betrayed its luxury badge and hefty price tag. The GX, a low-selling model for Lexus, relied on easy manufacturing to remain profitable, indicating that its research and design budget had long been spent.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 carried forward its design from 2019, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims with their two-part face. The Adventure trim we tested featured a more aggressively styled grille, blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and prominent black cladding around the wheel arches. While it looked ready for off-road action, it was more of a poseur than a doer.

The Adventure trim added orange accents to the interior, brightening up the otherwise basic center console with its orange plastic borders. Our test RAV4 featured a frameless rearview mirror, adding a touch of premium feel.

The RAV4 provided a more rugged, truck-like nature, yet it was a paradox of aspiration versus reality, with elements aimed at off-roading yet not fully equipped for such adventures. Its six trim levels catered to a wide range of budgets and preferences, making it accessible for numerous buyers.

The defining characteristic of the Lexus GX was its V8 engine. Unlike the steady hum of a 4Runner’s V6, the GX 460’s V8 had a linear rise in power and noise. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, while powerful, it didn’t stack up well on paper compared to newer engines. The Lexus GX’s towing capacity stood at 6,500 pounds, which was respectable but not outstanding in its class. Nonetheless, the GX provided excellent driving dynamics, even after 14 years without a major generational update. Its road feel was surprisingly communicative, although the steering was somewhat vague off-center.

Comparatively, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4’s performance was more “unobjectionable” than exciting, making up for its lack of peppiness with a noisier ride. The Adventure trim, despite its outward rugged appearance, was not as off-road-capable as the TRD Off-Road trim, which featured 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires, a TRD-tuned suspension, and other unique components.

While the RAV4’s engine may not have matched the GX’s V8 in terms of thrill, its all-wheel-drive capabilities in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims offered enhanced driving modes for snow and other challenging terrains.

The interior space of the Lexus GX featured deep and spacious storage options, including a noteworthy center console bin. However, its reliance on older USB-A ports rather than the more modern USB-C was a drawback. Its hard-button controls, while abundant, were a practical alternative to the increasingly popular haptic-touch interfaces, making it easier for users to navigate.

The GX’s center console lid, with its sliding mechanism, allowed for adjustable armrests, enhancing front passenger comfort. The second row was comfortable with enough legroom for most passengers, but the third row was too tight for regular use. Cargo space was another concern: the GX offered only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 64.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down—less than the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4, built to seat five, provided 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. It offered competitive legroom with 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back. Storage options in the RAV4 were commendable, with a shelf along the glove compartment and large door pockets. Its 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row (69.8 cubic feet with seats folded) placed it favorably against competitors.

In terms of technology, the 2023 Lexus GX faced criticisms. Despite the significant improvement of its 10.3-inch touchscreen with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it lagged behind the technology in other Lexus models. While the GX featured a robust off-road technology package including downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), its infotainment system felt outdated.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system. Screen sizes improved, with an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen and a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. It supported over-the-air updates and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our Adventure trim test vehicle included an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, providing a more modern and connected experience compared to the GX.

Regarding safety, the 2023 Lexus GX lacked ratings from major organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, a significant consideration given its 2010 engineering foundation. Nonetheless, Lexus equipped the GX with ample advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist. Its structural integrity, despite its age, was bolstered by these modern safety features.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included comprehensive features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated RAV4 performed well in IIHS evaluations, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, indicating its high safety standards.