2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates 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 stood out with performance-oriented styling, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models added a sporty touch with specific badging and trim, but comfort was compromised by less-than-ideal seating and limited lumbar support.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes and bronze accents. The 4Runner's design paid homage to truck-based SUVs of the past, offering a rugged and enduring appeal. The interior, while functional, featured ample plastic but maintained a solid and quality feel. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design was more about practicality and off-road capability, with features like a power-down rear window and a tailgate bumper that doubled as a seat. The 4Runner's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and ample cargo space, though the optional third-row seat was best avoided due to its impact on cargo capacity.

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 RX 450h hybrid model combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All 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, with a compliant ride that absorbed road imperfections. 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 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The 4Runner offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that lacked finesse. The 4Runner's powertrain handled elevation changes well, but its truck-based construction was more suited to off-road adventures than urban errands.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, however, were cramped for anything beyond short trips. Cargo space in the standard RX was 453 litres behind the second row, expanding to 923 litres with the seats folded. The three-row version offered only 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 and adjustable-height cup holder, but the high load-in height was a drawback.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner boasted a practical interior with a power-down rear window and a tailgate bumper that served as a seat. The second-row seating was roomy, with good legroom and headroom, while the optional third-row seat was best avoided due to its impact on cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space behind the second row. The interior featured dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners. The 4Runner's design prioritized functionality and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip that partially blocked icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options, such as remote engine start and vehicle settings.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with available upgrades like a navigation system and JBL premium sound. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions, and voice recognition performed well, though it struggled with some commands. The 4Runner's interior was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons that were easy to operate, even with gloves. The technology was straightforward and functional, catering to drivers who preferred simplicity over the latest tech innovations.

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 but four in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning was intrusive. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three stars for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.