2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white, with only a few options like blue and red offering a splash of vibrancy. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim level, but it faced stiff competition from rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a more refined and unmistakably Lexus design, highlighted by its prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was designed with a minimalist approach, featuring fewer buttons and a focus on simplicity. The NX offered a variety of trims, including the sporty F Sport, which added unique styling elements and sport-bolstered seats. While the decluttered interior was a departure from the previous model, some users found the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions to be a bit cumbersome.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement found in competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link rear, contributed to its decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offered a more dynamic driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport variant added adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes for enhanced performance. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph was estimated at 6.6 seconds, and it demonstrated impressive handling on winding roads. However, the engine's sound was not as refined as some German competitors, and there was noticeable road and wind noise despite efforts to dampen it.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed to offer more interior room, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX provided comfortable seating, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed spacious accommodations, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, and the Touring trim included a wireless phone charger. Navigation was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which some users found inconvenient.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, enhancing its safety credentials.