Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs Lexus GX

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a more rugged and substantial appearance post its 2019 redesign, breaking away from its previous softer crossover look. The borrowed trapezoidal grille from Toyota's truck lineup added heft, framed by angular bodywork that accentuated its headlights. Inside, its multi-tiered dashboard with beveled cutouts added visual interest, although the materials were about average, dominated by hard plastics in non-contact areas. Some trims, like the base model and Woodland, left out the leather-wrapped steering wheel, opting instead for very downmarket urethane. In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX presented a striking transformation from its predecessor with a design embracing geometric styling from headlight to taillight. While it retained the spindle grille, it was noticeably less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. Its body displayed minimal character lines, carved almost like a metal block, contributing to a sturdy visual appeal. Internally, the GX blended luxury with utility, featuring a mix of upscale appointments and more rugged materials suitable for off-road endeavors.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors providing a combined 219 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. It offered commendable acceleration and regenerative braking that smoothly transitioned to physical brakes when needed. The suspension provided a balanced ride over various terrains, ensuring comfortable and calm driving dynamics. Switching gears, the 2024 Lexus GX abandoned its old V8 for a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, generating a robust 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, it promised improved stability and handling. Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and sophisticated off-road mechanisms like the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), the GX excelled both on-road and off-road.

Inside, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comfortably accommodated larger front-seat passengers and average-sized adults in the rear seats, with slightly more rear headroom but a bit less legroom compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, foldable rear seats, and excellent interior storage, including a wide passenger shelf and a sizable center armrest bin. In comparison, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more minimalist interior, boasting ample space for front and second-row passengers (41.2 inches and 36.7 inches of legroom respectively). The third-row, however, was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo capacity, offering 10.3 cubic feet with all seats in use, which expanded impressively to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Overtrail models further enhanced cargo space, reaching up to 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid benefited from a new and improved infotainment system. Most models came with an 8.0-inch display while higher trims offered a 10.5-inch screen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added convenience, though a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot along with remote vehicle monitoring. The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen at the dash's center, supported by multiple USB-C ports and available wireless charging. Lexus provided Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and a host of Drive Connect subscription services, including an intelligent voice assistant. High-end trims featured a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system, ensuring a rich auditory experience.

For safety, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieved high marks, with the NHTSA awarding it five stars overall. It featured Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. Conversely, the 2024 Lexus GX made significant strides with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, standard across all models. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and proactive driving assist. Though it hadn’t been crash-tested yet by major safety organizations, the updated architecture and ADAS features were promising.