2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. It offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than its rivals. The RX appeared smaller due to the reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and a down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, which created a floating roof effect but also a stubby look. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, flowing into an elevated hood that swept back into the windshield pillars. The rear added a light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty-looking bumper with simulated air vents.

Inside, the RX boasted a thoroughly modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs. Digital instrumentation and a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display took center stage, with a head-up display available. The quality levels were high, as expected from Lexus, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, and F Sport Handling. Pricing was expected to be similar to the outgoing model, which started just over $47,000.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant styling departure from its predecessors, adopting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was about 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the outgoing model, with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to comprise three L shapes for a modern and aggressive look. The rear end appeared blockier, mimicking the bolder front fascia, and all CR-V headlights and taillights were now LED.

The interior followed the design direction seen in the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents and spanning the width of the dash. The materials in the Sport Touring cabin felt high-quality, with attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The Sport models featured black roof rails, black mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels, with the Sport Touring trim getting 19-inch wheels.

During a Lexus ride-and-drive media event, the 2023 RX 350 was tested in two versions: one with AWD and Luxury trim, and the other with F Sport Handling trim. Both versions featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-four engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and slightly improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing 3.5-liter V6, though it lacked the smooth and refined sound of the V6.

On the testing loop, the RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer under hard acceleration and excess body motion over undulating pavement. It provided a smooth, comfortable ride most of the time but reacted with too much vertical or lateral motion over uneven patches. The RX 350 F Sport Handling felt more sure-footed and secure, especially in Sport driving mode, with its adaptive suspension eliminating most unwanted bouncing and rolling. The F Sport Handling also featured upgraded brakes, though the testing route was not dynamic enough to compare resistance to heat and fade. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did it in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though actual results were slightly lower.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new 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 a top speed of 115 mph. The hybrid setup provided more power without compromising efficiency, making the CR-V Hybrid more responsive and suitable for tasks like merging onto a highway. It was also rated for towing, with a capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.

The CR-V Hybrid offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ, with Snow mode utilizing the updated Real Time AWD system. The 2023 version could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, compared to the previous 60:40 ratio. A new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it more fuel-efficient than the AWD version and the turbocharged model.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 models provided comfortable seating, though the sport seat bolsters in the F Sport Handling package might have been too snug for some. The RX 350 Luxury featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, Dark Graphite trim, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Both models offered exceptional comfort, though taller passengers might have found headroom tight in the back seat.

Lexus claimed improved cargo space over the previous-generation RX, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. However, this was still not a generous number for the segment.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, and headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows.

The CR-V Hybrid's interior featured a cubby designed to hold two smartphones side by side, eight cupholders, and a console providing best-in-class storage.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and Apple Music or Amazon Music could be streamed through embedded apps. The system's primary failing was the inability to view multiple data panels simultaneously.

Both test vehicles had the 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and available digital rearview mirror and digital key smartphone technology. A color head-up display (HUD) was also available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen display with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch touchscreen for the Sport Touring trim had a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models had two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added driver’s seat memory, a four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the terrain.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction function. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also new for 2023. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology that braked after entering a curve.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with new and updated systems for 2023. Adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist were improved for smoother use. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, rear-seat reminder, and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid also had new airbags, dashboard patches, and a 15% stiffer structure for additional protection.