2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX featured the signature Lexus spindle grille, updated in 2020 with a textured insert, and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model did not introduce any new styling changes, but it did come with standard silver 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch options available in the Executive package. While the exterior maintained a coherent and distinctive look, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. However, it did offer standard semi-aniline leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, offering four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior embraced a minimalist approach, with a focus on simplicity and functionality. The NX offered a range of trims, including the sporty F Sport, which featured unique design elements and sport-bolstered seats. While the decluttered interior was a departure from the previous model, it may have gone too far, with some functions integrated into the touchscreen, making them less intuitive to use.

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 ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms (5,178 pounds) affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a respectable 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds).

The 2022 Lexus NX, on the other hand, embraced electrification with two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The NX 350h produced a combined output of 239 horsepower, while the NX 450h+ delivered 302 horsepower with an estimated 61 kilometres of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX's platform, with a lower centre of gravity and dynamic tuning, provided a composed and capable driving experience. The F Sport trim offered additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its sporty character. While the NX excelled in handling and responsiveness, it was not designed for off-road adventures, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, especially when parking or off-roading. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX offered a more comfortable and spacious interior, with a new dashboard design creating a cozy atmosphere. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, enhanced comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, adding to the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with a standard Bluetooth system but lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system's graphics appeared outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, analog controls provided a straightforward interface, with large shortcut buttons for easy access to functions.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. The NX also offered advanced connected services, including cloud-based navigation and digital key capability.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Lexus NX, on the other hand, featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.