2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not quite match the luxury expectations, with wood trim that felt more like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but overall, the interior felt dated compared to modern luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's exterior styling was more generic, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it lacked distinctive features, the CR-V offered a practical and functional design. The interior was modern and comfortable, with angular seats and a choice of materials that improved with higher trims. The CR-V's interior space was a highlight, providing ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided strong initial acceleration and a satisfying engine note, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms (5,178 pounds) made high-speed maneuvers and stopping more challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, but the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with features like a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select. It also boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds).

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While not designed for thrilling acceleration, the CR-V offered smooth and steady performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 8 seconds. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. The CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, with a unitized body structure and standard front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. Visibility was generally good, except for the tall hood obstructing forward views. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space, offering more than 100 litres of additional volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,065 litres of cargo space. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with power and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls were a practical touch. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, but the overall tech offering felt dated for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, and higher trims included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.