2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, ranging from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, with off-road-oriented Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims in between. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding around the wheel arches. However, it was more about style than substance, lacking the true off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road trim. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents and a frameless rearview mirror, giving a slight premium touch to an otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a mix of fabric and synthetic leather seats, with varying levels of adjustability and heating options depending on the trim.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold, geometric design, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more vertical front fascia. The GX's side profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The SUV was available in six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on high-end features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were geared towards off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was available across all trims, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims coming with AWD by default. The RAV4's performance was adequate but not thrilling, and the engine noise was noticeable. The Adventure trim featured 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, while the TRD Off-Road trim had 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension for better off-road capability.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided more power and better low-end torque, making it more capable off-road. The GX was built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with other Toyota and Lexus models, offering a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and Lexus's Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with minimal body roll on-road and impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five passengers, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the second row. While the RAV4 provided ample storage options in the front, its cargo space was competitive but not class-leading, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a more minimalist and sophisticated interior compared to its predecessor. It offered 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row, with an available third row providing 31.7 inches of legroom, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 76.9 cubic feet in total. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for higher trims. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our Adventure trim tester featured the upgraded multimedia system with an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 7-inch driver-information display, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with multiple USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, the subscription costs for certain features after the initial three-year trial could be a drawback for long-term owners.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the base LE model and standard on higher trims. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also included. While the GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, its modern architecture and comprehensive safety features suggested improved safety compared to previous models.