2023 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blockier designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving scenarios.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV with a sleek and sculpted design, almost mistakable for a Lexus. Its contoured body and harmonious curves set it apart from typical Toyota models, giving it a more refined look. The rear roofline tapered sharply at the taillights without appearing weak, and the interior borrowed heavily from the Toyota RAV4 but with upgraded materials and details. The Venza's cabin approached Lexus-level luxury with soft-touch surfaces and well-integrated controls, making it one of the best-looking vehicles in Toyota's lineup.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power rise and a distinctive sound. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged in fuel economy with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight, the GX's driving dynamics were improved, offering predictable handling and strong brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it capable off-road.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower with the help of electric motor/generators and a 1.6-kilowatt-hour nickel metal hydride battery pack. A CVT sent power to the front wheels, while a separate electric motor powered the rear wheels for AWD. The Venza accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The ride favored comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. The Venza's ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's but not as plush as a Lexus.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat option. The third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome, and cargo space was limited to 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 down.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats provided ample space, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof with an opaque feature. Outward visibility was excellent, though rear visibility was limited. The rear seats were spacious with abundant legroom and foot room. The Venza's cargo capacity was 28.8 cubic feet, significantly less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the tech lagged behind newer Lexus models, with a slow touchscreen and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch display with sharp graphics and quick responses. A Wi-Fi connection and remote vehicle monitoring were available, along with a one-year trial of Drive Connect services on the Limited trim. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like 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.

The 2023 Toyota Venza scored five stars in overall and side crash protection from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure assist, and more. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms reported.