2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, and the blockier rear end complemented the bold front fascia. The Hybrid Touring trim, tested in Canyon River Blue, featured sporty black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the premium design trend seen in other Honda models, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid maintained a similar appearance to its non-hybrid counterpart, with only subtle differences like the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its performance-tuned design, featuring a blacked-out grille, matte-black wheels, and aggressive bumpers. The RX's design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed look and a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain choice, with a hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. It was capable of reaching speeds up to 185 km/h and had a towing capacity of 450 kg. The CR-V Hybrid featured a CVT and four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. The updated AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's regenerative braking system allowed for increased fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid options: the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in around 6 seconds. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission and Direct4 AWD system. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h offered a dynamic driving experience with adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior space, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V featured wide-opening rear doors and an improved LATCH system for easy car seat installation. The interior boasted practical storage solutions, including a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had sportier seats with larger bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were placed under the rear seat, providing good leg support but limited headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some competitors.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a user-friendly infotainment system with physical buttons for essential functions. The standard 7-inch touchscreen had volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch screen on higher trims had a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim included a smart navigation system that optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, it had some usability issues, such as limited screen views and reflections. The RX also featured a head-up display with touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the Honda Sensing suite. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional structural enhancements for improved crash protection.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also had Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had usability issues. The RX offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though the latter was not tested.