2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 presented distinctive visual cues and aesthetic appeals tailored to different kinds of buyers. In Santa Barbara, California, the redesigned 2023 RX models were revealed, including the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrids. Visually, you would be hard-pressed to distinguish a standard RX 350 from an RX 350h, as they looked almost identical except for the badge on the liftgate. Our silver RX 350h Luxury test vehicle came with attractive 21-inch wheels and did not even have a “HYBRID” badge, a blue-ringed Lexus logo, or any peculiar aero panel. It sported clean and minimalist lines, adding a touch of elegance without screaming “hybrid.” The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, had a more dramatic appearance thanks to its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, matte-black 21-inch wheels, aggressive bumpers, and specific interior trimmings that emphasized its performance-oriented nature. This model stood out more vividly and loudly asserted its sporty credentials. Despite its popularity, the RX has never been described as gorgeous, a fact that still held true for the 2023 models, which featured a blunt nose and a visual imbalance. The wheelbase stretch reduced the SUV’s rear overhang, making it look smaller although its size remained consistent with the outgoing model. The rear roof pillar design further visually shortened the rear end, emphasizing the front-heavy aesthetic. Inside, the RX took a more minimalistic approach, significantly reducing switchgear and featuring the modern Lexus Interface infotainment system. The interior embraced contemporary textures and detailing with backlit ambient lighting creating a cozy atmosphere after dark. The RX 350h Luxury model featured sumptuous Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuding a luxurious feel. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance was adorned in black with artificial suede on the door panels and seat bolsters, accented by dark gray aluminum trim. For a burst of color, Rioja Red upholstery was available. Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 stuck closely to its 2019 design ethos with bold updates in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Our test RAV4 Adventure trim shifted the Toyota badge downwards to a more aggressive central grille, blacked out the wheels, and added a faux skid plate with prominent black cladding around the wheel arches, giving it a rugged yet somewhat superficial off-road persona. The Adventure trim incorporated orange accents within, contrasting seamlessly with the otherwise basic center console. The seats showcased a trendy stripe and contrast stitching, while the frameless rearview mirror added a hint of premium flair. Toyota offered LE and XLE trims with fabric seats, while XLE Premium upgraded to synthetic leather (SofTex) upholstery. Different levels of adjustability across trims culminated in heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats. Dual-zone climate control featured on all trims except the base. The RAV4 aimed to blend ruggedness with urban sophistication, but the overall design leaned towards practicality rather than extravagance.

Under the hood, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid underwent significant changes compared to its predecessor. Previously, the RX 450h used a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 308 horsepower, got an EPA rating of up to 30 mpg in combined driving, and accelerated to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The updated 2023 RX 350h, featuring a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. This model was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving and could accelerate to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. For those craving more power, the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in a Lexus-claimed 5.9 seconds but with reduced efficiency at 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance excelled with an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and a Dynamic Rear Steering system, providing a spirited driving experience. It utilized a six-speed automatic transmission, eliminating the droning typical of many hybrids. This performance variant also featured Active Sound Control for an enhanced auditory experience. Despite its sporty credentials, actual fuel economy for the RX 500h was disappointing at 20.9 mpg, falling short of the estimated 27 mpg. However, the RX 350h shined with an average of 32 mpg, albeit slightly below Lexus' estimate. In comparison, 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. While not particularly exhilarating, the powertrain aimed for practicality and reliability. Standard FWD was available across most trims, but AWD was standard on the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Notably, hybrid powertrains, like those in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Prime, came exclusively with AWD. With the Adventure trim's 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires and standard suspension setup, it leaned more towards on-road driving than rugged off-roading. The TRD Off-Road trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Falken All-Terrain tires, TRD-tuned suspension, shocks, and jounce bumpers, was better suited for rougher terrain. While the hybrid models added efficiency to the RAV4's performance portfolio, the standard engine setup was adequate but not particularly thrilling. However, it was notably quiet compared to some rivals like the Subaru Forester.

Comfort and practicality were strong suits for both the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid and the 2023 Toyota RAV4, but they each took different approaches to interior space and functionality. The RX 350h excelled in comfort with its Luxury trim’s ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather upholstery, standard seat heating and ventilation, and a three-zone automatic climate control system that performed admirably even on warm days. These features made it a plush place to spend time. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its eight-way power-adjustable seats, thicker side bolsters, and standard-grade leather, still offered high comfort but didn't quite match the Luxury trim's opulence. The elevated seat cushion and lower roofline did, however, compromise rear headroom, though legroom and leg support remained excellent. Storage-wise, the RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded down. This was an improvement compared to the previous model, though it still lagged behind some competitors. On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 was built to seat five and offered different levels of interior comfort depending on the trim. Headroom in the RAV4, even with a moonroof, was slightly less in the front than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester but offered more rear-seat headroom. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back, putting it competitive with the CR-V but falling short in rear legroom. Storage was a highlight for the RAV4, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This placed it ahead of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 but behind the Honda CR-V in terms of storage capacity. Each vehicle aimed to provide ample space for passengers and their gear, but the RAV4 offered superior cargo capacity, making it slightly more practical for drivers needing extra storage room.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured the advanced Lexus Interface infotainment system, a crucial upgrade that brought more modernity to the SUV. However, this technology came at a cost, requiring payments for connected services plans after the complimentary trial subscriptions. The system needed activation of free trial subscriptions to save preferred vehicle settings, which could be transferred to other Lexus and Toyota models using a similar platform. Drive Connect was free for three years, providing a cloud-based navigation system with Google points of interest and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. “Hey Lexus,” the activation phrase, generally worked well, except for a few directional inaccuracies. However, the system had its downsides. The touchscreen could only display one menu at a time, causing constant fiddling with virtual buttons. The screen also suffered from reflections, especially in models with light-colored seats, and lacked a tuning knob. The dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel were unmarked, making their usage complicated, especially for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses who couldn't see the HUD properly. On the other hand, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 brought in a new infotainment system that reflected its buyers' evolving tech needs. The model featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgrading to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited and TRD Off-Road trims, supporting over-the-air updates, and providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with voice command functionality. Our RAV4 Adventure tester's upgraded multimedia system, an option costing $3,490, came with an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 10.5-inch screen. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited trim and optionally on the TRD Off-Road. Overall, while both vehicles enhanced their infotainment offerings, Toyota's system felt more straightforward and user-friendly, compared to Lexus's slightly convoluted and subscription-based approach.

Safety was a priority for both the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid and the 2023 Toyota RAV4, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems in their respective packages. The 2023 RX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a robust collection of advanced driving assistance systems including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, proactive driving assist, and a curve-speed reduction feature for the adaptive cruise control. Despite its overall effectiveness, certain features, like the new front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had their quirks, and the driver monitoring system could be irritating for those with a particular driving style. Additionally, Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park offered more ease while navigating low-speed scenarios and semi-autonomous parking, respectively, although they had their limitations in practical usage. The 2023 RAV4 came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, which included lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available at the base level and standard from the XLE trim upwards. The updated TSS 2.5 also offered Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, enhancing the adaptive cruise control functionality. In safety evaluations, the 2023 RAV4 earned top scores in crash tests, securing a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a step up from the previous year's just Top Safety Pick rating.