2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of practicality and reliability. Over the years, it evolved from a compact, quirky SUV into a more mature and sophisticated vehicle, appealing to a broad audience. The exterior design of the 2022 model was characterized by angular wheel arches and crisp lines, giving it a distinctive look. The expressive headlights and snub-nosed grille added a playful yet aggressive touch, while the traditional Toyota fit and finish elevated the overall quality. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design included unique elements like a circuit-board-inspired pattern, tying together various cabin areas.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more luxurious and modern aesthetic. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar exterior design, with the latter featuring a more aggressive look due to its performance-tuned nature. The RX's design was not traditionally beautiful, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that visually shortened the rear end. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach, with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX's interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a three-zone climate control system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Fuel economy for the gasoline model ranged from 8.8 L/100 km in the city to 7.9 combined. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 217 combined horsepower and impressive fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km city and 6.0 combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful, with 302 horsepower and the ability to run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, achieving a combined efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new powertrain lineup. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It offered a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, it consumed 8.6 L/100 km combined. The RX 500h also featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, enhancing its performance and handling. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing, averaging 11.3 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered ample cargo space, with 1,059 litres available behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated to tow between 680 and 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four adults, with plenty of legroom and storage options throughout the cabin. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid improved its cargo space compared to its predecessor, offering 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded. The RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with standard-grade leather. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support but limited rear headroom. The RX also offered a panoramic moonroof and a well-designed climate control system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system and additional features like navigation and Safety Connect. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a bird’s-eye view camera system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered features like cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some usability issues, such as limited screen views and reflections. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including new technologies like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. It also offered Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations.