2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's exterior updates, such as the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, kept it visually appealing. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX boasted a modern and sporty design, with sharp character lines and angular features that were both eye-catching and restrained. The RX's exterior was aggressive, especially in the F Sport trim, which added sporty elements like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials and a sporty vibe in the F Sport models. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the driving position was challenging to perfect, detracting from the overall comfort.

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 hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. 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 and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a robust choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus RX, available with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower or a hybrid version with 308 horsepower, featured an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and hesitant acceleration. The F Sport trim added performance dampers and adaptive suspension, but the driving dynamics remained largely unchanged across drive modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a serene driving experience. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, especially in the hybrid model, with impressive consumption ratings.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, and the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was minimal with the third row in use, making the GX more practical as a two-row SUV.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row model. While the three-row L model provided additional seating, cargo space was limited with all seats upright. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable cup holders. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the high load-in height made accessing the cargo area challenging.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls provided a straightforward interface, a refreshing change from screen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly. The touchpad interface was hypersensitive and unintuitive, leading to frustration. However, the RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a premium audio system, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. It was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The RX received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in side crash tests.