2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the base 350 trim level offering a gas powertrain and the RX 450h hybrid model. The RX 350 accommodated five passengers, while the L version provided a three-row, 7-passenger option, with the 450h seating six. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty appearance, standing out with its aggressive exterior styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX's sharp character lines and angular features, particularly in the F Sport models, added a subtle sportiness to its high-fashion appeal. The interior mirrored this luxury with a sporty twist in the F Sport models, featuring specific badging, Scored Aluminum trim, and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a more traditional design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Despite its dated exterior, the GX's cabin quality was commendable, with a focus on smooth refinement and quietness. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, added unique styling elements. The GX's interior featured comfortable seats and a mix of physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition offered NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. However, accessing the rear seats was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, making it less practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers, adaptive variable suspension, and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving experience remained largely unchanged between modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was estimated at 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, the GX offered a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's 0-60 mph time was a leisurely 7.8 seconds, but its torque made the experience more engaging. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 L/100 km combined, with a better-than-expected 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved the GX's ride and handling, making it more stable and secure. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic. The GX's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the Premium Package, which included Multi-Terrain Select and Panoramic View monitoring cameras.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the standard two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The L models provided 210 litres with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, though the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The GX's tall, narrow design made it easy to maneuver, but the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. Accessing the rear seats was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, making it less practical for everyday use. Cargo space was limited to 328 litres behind the third row, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,833 litres with the second row down.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and other trims. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in the 2020 refresh, but their positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, though the latter was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, and various audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with the optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and active blind-spot intervention. The absence of these features contributed to a more favourable driving experience, as the GX did not override steering inputs.