2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and sportiness. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. This understated elegance was contrasted by the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, complemented by ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury's interior boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a darker, sportier cabin with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a more conservative yet sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The Sport Touring model, in Canyon River Blue, had a base price of $41,175, including destination charges. Its design, with a technical face and Volvo-like taillights, was expected to age well, though it carried too much visual weight over the front wheels. Inside, the CR-V Sport Touring featured leather seats with orange stitching, a soft-touch dashboard, and metal mesh air vents, exuding sophistication. The CR-V's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a compliant ride and predictable handling, though it lacked the off-road capability or driving excitement some might seek.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, similar to the standard RX 350. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and Direct4 AWD system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it averaged only 20.9 mpg in testing, below its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, while the RX 350h offered a quieter, more fuel-efficient ride.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter engine, producing 204 hp. It promised 37 mpg in combined driving, but testing returned 32.4 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid's powertrain worked transparently, with only occasional engine droning. It provided a quiet, comfortable ride with predictable handling, though the steering effort was heavier than expected. The CR-V Hybrid was easy to drive, but it lacked the off-road capability or driving excitement of some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and space. The RX 350h Luxury's ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone climate control made it a pleasant place to be. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power seats with larger bolsters and a thicker steering wheel. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support, though rear headroom was tight. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, though it still lagged behind some rivals.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid impressed with its form and function. It featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The CR-V's rear doors opened wide, making it easy to access the roomy back seat, which offered excellent leg support and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V provided ample storage, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected. The Sport Touring's cargo area measured 34.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription-based connected services for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The touchscreen's single-menu view and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the head-up display's touch-sensing control pads were problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium audio system were reserved for higher trims. The voice recognition system was basic, and the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also included, though some features had limitations, such as the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction tech.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well in testing, though it had occasional inaccuracies. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023, though NHTSA ratings were not yet available.