2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Lexus RX had undergone a subtle yet significant transformation. It lowered its height, broadened its width, and extended its wheelbase while maintaining the same overall length. Despite this, the RX appeared smaller due to a reduction in rear overhang, softened design lines, and down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar, creating a floating roof effect.

The RX's front featured a signature spindle-style grille better integrated with the overall design, complemented by a modern mesh texture and a dramatically elevated hood. The upswept body sides were reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan, flowing into the flared rear fenders. The rear was updated with a light-blade taillight design, block lettering for the Lexus name, and a sporty-looking bumper with simulated air vents. This design ensured the RX was instantly recognizable yet distinct compared to its sharper, previous-generation model. It shared some stylistic elements with the smaller Lexus NX but was designed not to look like a larger copy, giving people reasons to opt for the midsize model.

Inside, upon opening its digitally latched doors, one found a thoroughly modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs. Digital instrumentation took the center stage with either a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch touchscreen display, supplemented by a head-up display. Voice-recognition technology simplified the use of the RX’s features, though the complimentary Intelligent Assistant technology required a subscription after three years.

Quality levels remained high, with standard NuLuxe artificial leather and available genuine leather in some versions, along with simulated suede. Textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum trims added to the luxurious feel. Available in various trims, including the RX 350, RX 350h (hybrid), RX 500h (performance hybrid), and the forthcoming RX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid), the pricing was expected to remain close to the predecessor's base price just over $47,000.

Toyota's 2023 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level. This retro-themed model added $4,505 to the SR5 Premium's cost, with $1,875 covering a standard four-wheel-drive system and $2,630 enhancing the vehicle with retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching.

The special edition’s paint options were limited to black, white, or red, and featured a black artificial leather interior. Notably, the 40 ASE carried a 1970s SoCal surfer vibe with its colorful stripes and bronze wheels, drawing comments like “This thing looks like it should have a surfboard on it."

Based on the long-standing fifth-generation 4Runner, the design retained its truck-like appeal. The interior was functional, with purposeful switches and traditional analog gauges providing a straightforward interface. Despite the abundance of plastic, the cabin felt solid and high-quality, suitable for practical use, even while wearing gloves.

The 2023 Lexus RX, specifically the RX 350, was put through its paces during a Lexus ride-and-drive media event near Santa Maria, California. We tried two versions on a 20-mile loop: one with AWD in Luxury trim and 21-inch wheels, and the other in F Sport Handling trim with adaptive damping suspension.

Both models sported a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered less horsepower but more torque than the previous 3.5-liter V6, performing better at higher altitudes and delivering slightly improved fuel economy, though it lacked the smoother, refined sound of the V6.

The RX 350 Luxury displayed occasional torque steer under hard acceleration and excessive body motion over uneven pavement, though it provided a mostly smooth, comfortable ride. The RX 350 F Sport Handling felt more grounded, especially in Sport mode, despite the troublesome switch through Lexus Interface. Equipped with adaptive suspension, the F Sport Handling minimized unwanted bouncing and rolling experienced in the Luxury trim.

Though the testing route didn’t allow for a comprehensive brake comparison, both models displayed excellent pedal feel and modulation. Lexus claimed the RX 350 FWD could reach 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the AWD version did so in 7.2 seconds, and both versions felt quicker than their specifications suggested. The RX 350 FWD was expected to average 25 mpg in combined driving, with AWD at 24 mpg, with real-world results slightly lower at 22.5 mpg and 21.8 mpg, respectively.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Power was transmitted through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or one of two available 4WD systems, offering a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The part-time 4WD system was common, while the Limited trim offered a full-time 4WD option. Regardless of the drivetrain, the 4Runner’s fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world average of 16.9 mpg in the 40 ASE.

The 4Runner boasted a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, standard Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies when equipped with 4WD. These included Downhill Assist Control, Active Traction Control, and various other aids depending on the model. The TRD Off-Road trim improved wheel articulation, the TRD Pro was tuned for high-speed dirt performance, and the Limited focused on enhancing on-road handling.

During off-road testing and stormy conditions, the 4Runner excelled, easily handling thick mud and standing water, though it wasn’t tested in more extreme conditions. The 4Runner’s capabilities were evident as it effortlessly tackled a variety of terrains, despite needing cautious handling on slippery streets in RWD mode.

In the interior of the 2023 Lexus RX, both the Luxury and F Sport Handling trims offered comfort, though F Sport's bolstered seats hugged tighter, which might be preferred for spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury setup included semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, and a plush interior with sophisticated Peppercorn color and suede door accents.

The RX 350 F Sport Handling featured Black NuLuxe simulated leather seats, with optional Rioja Red NuLuxe for those seeking a splash of color. It included 8-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated, thick-rimmed steering wheel.

Rear passengers in the RX enjoyed ample leg support and room, though taller individuals might find headroom insufficient. Lexus improved storage areas, but cargo space, though increased, was limited compared to its rivals. The trunk offered 29.6 cubic feet and could expand to 46.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.

One of the standout features of the 2023 Toyota 4Runner was its rear window, which powered down into the tailgate. Combined with the optional sunroof and automatic windows, ample ventilation similar to open-roof SUVs was possible. The 4Runner's interior required effort to climb into, but comfort was adequate once inside. The 40 ASE model had SofTex artificial leather with heated front seats.

The 4Runner provided numerous storage options, most without rubber liners, leading to some rattling. The second-row was roomy, with satisfactory legroom and headroom. A third-row seat was optional, though it compromised cargo space and wasn’t very comfortable. Without it, the 4Runner offered substantial cargo space of 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured a new Lexus Interface infotainment system with either a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and a variety of connected services. Drive Connect was free for three years, offering Intelligent Assistant and Destination Assist for voice-activated navigation and queries.

The system allowed user profiles for driver preferences, including streaming Apple Music and Amazon Music. Though it took time to learn, Lexus Interface proved an upgrade over previous systems, despite lacking the ability to display multiple data panels simultaneously.

Both test vehicles had a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, but it required adjustments for optimal sound. Additional digital features included available Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, digital key technology, and a color HUD, though visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were noted.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner’s technology showcased simplicity and functionality. Its traditional analog gauges were supplemented by an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, compatible with Amazon Alexa. Various connected services with trial subscriptions and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were available.

Upgrades included navigation and a JBL premium sound system, both exhibiting a bass-heavy bias. Despite dated graphics, the system’s home screen allowed multiple function views, a feature newer Toyota systems lacked. Voice recognition performed well, albeit limited by manual climate controls in the 40 ASE.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. This system included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance with front cross-traffic alert, and curve speed-reduction. It also introduced semi-autonomous technologies such as Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist.

In practice, LSS+ 3.0 impressed but wasn’t flawless. We noted issues with unmarked adaptive cruise controls in HUD-equipped models and the potential confusion caused by front cross-traffic warnings for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction’s unpredicted braking behavior and the finicky driver monitoring system were also notable drawbacks.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense, covering essential safety needs with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and rear-seat reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were now standard across all trims.

Adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, especially during lane changes and speed adjustments. However, lane-departure warning could become annoying. Crash-test ratings highlighted the 4Runner’s age, with NHTSA granting it a four-star overall rating, including three stars for front passenger protection in frontal impacts and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS provided a marginal rating for driver protection in small overlap frontal-impact tests.