2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on elegance and simplicity, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, a turbocharged model, was particularly noted for its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The interior of the NX was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, although some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. Despite this, the NX maintained high-quality levels, with physical controls for essential functions and an easy-to-use electronic shifter.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from the 2019 model, with the Trail trim featuring a more aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels. The RAV4 offered four trim levels in Canada, with prices ranging from just over $35,000 to more than $45,000. The Trail trim added orange interior accents and a frameless rearview mirror, providing a touch of premium feel. The RAV4's interior was practical, with fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats in the LE and XLE trims, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim offered more luxurious features, including heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel. Overall, the RAV4 provided a rugged, truck-like experience, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, the NX 350h and NX 450h+, with the latter being a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) delivering 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 was capable of accelerating to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite its dynamic improvements, the NX was not suited for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, with its standard all-wheel drive, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Trail trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable ride. The RAV4's engine was noisier than some competitors, but it offered a reliable and practical driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a 14% increase in cargo space behind the back seat, totalling 643 litres. The NX's interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Thematic Ambient Illumination added a touch of luxury, although it was not tested during the review.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered seating for five, with 958 millimetres of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, providing adequate space for passengers. The RAV4's interior featured practical storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring 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 available. The NX also offered a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version for the Limited trim. The RAV4's technology offerings were practical and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems such as lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection. The NX also offered a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, including a panoramic view monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.