2023 Honda CR-V vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model presented a cleaner design compared to its predecessor, though it lacked the distinct personality of the fifth-gen CR-V. The conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, enhancing its exterior appeal. Inside, the leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob elevated the interior's quality, while the dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim for a modern touch. The CR-V EX-L boasted a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate, contributing to its overall sense of quality and simplicity.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale aesthetics. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative yet appealing design. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX came in various model series, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior, though dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, exuded luxury with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. Despite some shortcomings, the TX's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a dynamically satisfying driving experience. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth and engaging ride. The CR-V's fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation route.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered more space, resembling a midsize model with ample thigh support and legroom. The CR-V featured numerous storage options, though most were lined with hard plastic, potentially causing noise. The cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. The Hybrid model offered slightly less cargo space.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as the front seats. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,746 litres with the second-row seats folded. The TX's storage options were numerous, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen display, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and an upgraded sound system. However, the technology list was considered short for the price, and Honda's tech offerings merely matched competitors without exceeding them.

The 2024 Lexus TX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also featured a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and surround-view camera. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, rear-seat reminder system, driver monitoring system, and traffic sign recognition system. The CR-V was built to Honda's latest safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist and traffic jam assist were also included. The TX's safety systems were smooth and effective, though the SUV slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.