2023 Volkswagen Taos vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering affordability and comfort. In its first year, the Taos quickly became Volkswagen’s third-best selling model in the U.S., surpassing the Jetta by a significant margin. The 2023 Taos ranged in price from $24,155 to $34,535, excluding a destination charge. The SEL trim, which included 4Motion all-wheel drive, featured a stylish exterior with bold 19-inch alloy wheels and a premium interior that resembled a cut-rate Audi. The Taos was also noted for its spacious interior, nearly matching the larger Tiguan model.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, had a commanding presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX’s design leaned towards functionality, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was criticized for its use of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury status. The GX’s design had not seen a generational update in 14 years, but it continued to offer a comfortable and capable driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. Despite its sporty handling and firm, stable ride, the Taos lacked power compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos averaged 26.8 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s weight contributed to its predictable but controllable body roll. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a reliable choice for rugged terrain.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of interior options, with cloth seats in the S trim, CloudTex artificial leather in the SE, and real leather in the SEL. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather equipment, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The Taos provided ample rear-seat space and comfort, with air conditioning vents and a panoramic sunroof in the SEL. Cargo space was generous, with 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, slightly reduced in 4Motion models.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a spacious center console bin, convenient cupholders, and a mix of USB-A ports. The GX retained physical controls, which were appreciated for their ease of use. The second row offered comfortable seating with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. However, the third row was tight and best suited for occasional use. The GX’s cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch screen in the S and SE trims and a 10.25-inch display in the SEL. Infotainment systems ranged from a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen in the S trim to an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the SE and SEL. The SEL also included a native navigation system and an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls, a complicated radio tuning process, and subpar voice-recognition technology.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system lagged behind newer Lexus models, with slower response times and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added the IQ.Drive collection of ADAS, which included Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were decent but not perfect.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX’s safety features were up-to-date, providing a reasonable level of protection.