2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic enhancements from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty exterior elements. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models featured specific badging and sporty interior touches, but comfort was compromised by less-than-ideal seating and limited lumbar support.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner and slightly more conservative look compared to its predecessor. The EX-L trim featured 18-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped interior elements, enhancing its quality feel. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The CR-V's interior exuded simplicity and quality, with standard features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and a power rear liftgate. Despite the ongoing semiconductor shortages, Honda managed to offer a well-equipped vehicle with a focus on practicality and comfort, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

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 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 excitement in acceleration and engine sound. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, but the differences in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolating road noise effectively. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the CR-V offered a smooth and refined driving experience, though the CVT's droning sound detracted from the overall enjoyment. Honda's improvements to the suspension, steering, and brakes resulted in a well-balanced ride and handling, making the CR-V a pleasure to drive. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation route, according to Natural Resources Canada estimates.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row version, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models provided a 2/3/2 seating configuration, but space was limited for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX and up to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, though the high load-in height for the cargo area was a drawback.

The 2023 Honda CR-V boasted a roomy interior, with the second row feeling more spacious than the first. The CR-V's seats offered comfort and support, with heated front seats and dual-zone climate control as standard. The cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space with the rear load floor panel in its lowest position, expanding to 2,166 litres with the back seat folded down. The CR-V's interior was practical, with ample storage options, though some were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available for the 450h L and other trims. The infotainment system's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, and the touchpad controller was hypersensitive and unintuitive. Despite these challenges, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a larger 9-inch display available on the EX-L trim. The CR-V's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons for easy operation. The EX-L trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology package was not groundbreaking, it brought the CR-V up to par with its competitors.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering 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 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it missed the "plus" designation due to its headlights. The NHTSA awarded the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, driver monitoring system, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's safety systems were enhanced by new camera and radar units, though the lane-centring assist displayed some uncertainty. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, and the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating.