2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, offering four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, which was the focus of this review, featured a turbocharged engine and came in various trims, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its signature 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 was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, although some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like a unique grille, black mirrors, and sport-bolstered seats, enhancing its athletic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a bold departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance and modernized taillights. The Hybrid Touring trim, tested in a striking Canyon River Blue, featured black roof rails, mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. The interior followed Honda's trend towards a premium feel, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching. The design was consistent with other Honda models, featuring a honeycomb grille across the dash. The CR-V Hybrid's cabin was spacious, with thoughtful touches like wide-opening rear doors and a hands-free power tailgate, making it practical for families.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350, however, featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its driving dynamics. The turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250, and the F Sport trim provided a more engaging driving experience. However, the NX's off-road capabilities were limited due to its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It was the most powerful CR-V to date, with a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission and offered four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. It was estimated to consume 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.4 combined, making it more fuel-efficient than its non-hybrid counterparts.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, although it felt cozy from the driver's seat. It offered comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The F Sport trim added better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. Thematic Ambient Illumination and a panoramic sunroof added to the interior's appeal.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased, providing 1,042 millimetres in total. The reclining rear seats offered eight positions, maximizing headroom and accommodating large cargo. The CR-V Hybrid's cabin was practical, with a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders throughout.

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. 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 system as an option. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch screen for higher trims. It featured USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats. The Hybrid Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route. The CR-V Hybrid's technology was user-friendly and well-equipped.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including 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 Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also had blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitor, and rear-seat reminders. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with new airbags and a stiffer structure for added protection.