2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The test model was showcased in a Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V offered a comfortable cabin with perforated leather seats in the EX-L trim, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages. The interior design followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, with premium touches like a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights, enhancing the HR-V's entry-level status.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more upscale appearance. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative yet appealing design. The test model featured 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX 350, the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, the TX 350 offered a luxurious feel with premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a dark Peppercorn interior. However, the cabin felt too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. The TX's interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats, but lacked a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, making it more practical than previous Lexus models. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row and 2,746 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This marked an improvement over the previous model, with an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT) incorporating a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered various drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, each tailored for different driving conditions. Despite being quieter than its predecessor, the HR-V remained noticeably noisy at higher speeds. The new suspension system and widened tracks contributed to a surprisingly fun driving experience, although the HR-V was not overpowered. Competitors like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport offered multiple powertrain options, including turbocharged engines.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, although it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior despite its compact size. The centre console featured a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports, providing convenient storage options. The HR-V sacrificed some rear-seat headroom for its fastback design, with front headroom measuring 1,002 millimetres and rear headroom at 965.3 mm. Cargo space was 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The HR-V's interior volume varied slightly across trims, with the EX-L offering more space. The rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier entry and egress, creating a nearly flat floor when folded.

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 as standard. The second-row seat, though comfortable, lacked a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with all seats down. The TX's interior included numerous storage options, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display with Smart Shortcuts and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and a four-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering upgraded audio systems and additional features.

The 2024 Lexus TX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect available for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, although it was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.