2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in various trims, including the base 350 and the hybrid 450h, both offered in standard and long-wheelbase versions. The RX 350 accommodated five passengers, while the L version provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. 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 F Sport models added a performance-oriented aesthetic with features like 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious cabin with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the centre stack felt dated, and the seats, particularly in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the year, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of many reviews. The NX's design featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate, reflecting a refined attention to detail. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior adopted a minimalist approach, with a decluttered dashboard and integrated controls in the 14-inch touchscreen. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique interior trim. While the NX's interior felt cozy, it provided comfort with features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic moonroof. The NX also offered increased cargo space, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 hp. 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 lack of engine growl and sluggish acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered minimal differentiation in handling. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. 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 hybrid offered improved efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid provided 302 hp and an estimated 61 km of electric range. The NX's new platform, with a lower centre of gravity and reduced weight, contributed to a composed and capable driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph was estimated at 6.6 seconds, with fuel consumption at 9.5 L/100 km combined. While the NX's handling impressed, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and road noise was more noticeable than expected.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row version, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, with a 2/3/2 seating configuration, provided limited space for passengers and cargo. Cargo capacity in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded down. The L models offered 210 litres with all seats up, 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, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2022 Lexus NX, despite claims of increased interior space, felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX provided comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better seat bolstering, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down. The NX also featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, adding a touch of nature-inspired ambiance to the interior.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and as an option for other trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens' positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was quick and responsive, but the touchpad 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 premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings personalization.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch touchscreen display as standard and a 14-inch screen as an option. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant technology, and over-the-air software updates. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The NX's navigation system included an off-line mode, and the Voice Assistant responded to natural commands. The NX also offered connected services like Drive Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, with complimentary trial subscriptions. Additional tech features included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. 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 with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier "plus" designation due to its headlights rating. The RX scored four stars overall in NHTSA tests, with five stars in side crashes and four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the 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, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features included rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a panoramic view monitoring system. The NX's safety features aimed to prevent collisions and enhance driver assistance.