2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a variety of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, with two off-road-oriented trims in between. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim, which was tested, had a more aggressive grille with a repositioned Toyota badge, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding around the wheel arches. However, it was more about appearance than actual off-road capability. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents, including a stripe on the seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a range of seating options, from fabric seats in the LE and XLE trims to synthetic leather in the XLE Premium, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The Luxury trim, which was tested, featured 22-inch silver-finished wheels that significantly enhanced its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler design. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The tested TX 350, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, included a Convenience Package, Technology Package, and a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, bringing the total MSRP to $67,869. The Luxury trim added premium interior features, but the dark Peppercorn interior felt too dim, even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite this, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with FWD, with AWD available as an upgrade, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which were AWD by default. The RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was preferable to a CVT, it didn't enhance acceleration, making the performance more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, was not as capable off-road as the TRD Off-Road trim, which featured 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The TX 350 felt quicker than its official figures suggested, thanks to its torque delivery. The FWD model had a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. It provided 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the second row, with the back seat being narrower than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. The RAV4 offered ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models, and offered a stadium-style bottom cushion for leg support. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The interior had numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

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 OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Adventure trim tested had the upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a digital assistant with natural voice recognition and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with LSS+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of LSS+ 3.0, offering braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 proved effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.