2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added a distinctive flair to the lineup. It featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze accents, including 17-inch wheels and interior stitching. This special edition was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner's design evoked a nostalgic appeal reminiscent of 1970s style, with a strong Southern California vibe. Its truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior, despite the abundance of plastic, offered a solid and quality feel. The controls were straightforward and user-friendly, even with gloves on.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, presented a more modern and refined aesthetic. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, maintained a subtle hybrid identity, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design, though not traditionally beautiful, was sleek and contemporary, with a minimalistic interior featuring advanced infotainment and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and had a fuel economy rating of 17 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests averaged slightly lower at 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner featured two 4WD systems, with the Limited trim offering a full-time 4WD option. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD models provided additional off-roading technologies, such as locking differentials and Crawl Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a bumpy ride over rough terrain.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient and varied performance. The RX 350h, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivered 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, produced 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its athleticism and driving enjoyment. However, its fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 350h was preferred for its balance of efficiency and performance, while the RX 500h offered a more exhilarating driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and side windows. The interior, though requiring some effort to access for shorter individuals, provided comfortable seating with SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. Storage was ample, though some compartments lacked liners, leading to potential rattling. The second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with good legroom and support. A third-row seat was available but compromised cargo space and comfort. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and luxury, particularly in the RX 350h Luxury trim, which featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier seats with eight-way adjustment and standard leather. The rear seats, though slightly elevated due to the battery placement, provided good leg support and space, though headroom was limited. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet, matching the standard RX 350 and significantly improving over the previous RX 450h.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with available upgrades like navigation and a JBL sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. The infotainment system's dated graphics and small display were offset by its ease of use and reliable performance.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services for full functionality. It featured a large touchscreen, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system allowed only one screen menu at a time, leading to frequent menu navigation. The head-up display, while useful, was hindered by visibility issues with polarized sunglasses. The RX also offered advanced features like a head-up display and dual-function steering wheel controls, though these could be distracting.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, its crash-test ratings were less favorable, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection in small overlap frontal-impact tests.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with advanced features like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions, leading to frequent warnings.