2024 Lexus RX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its imposing spindle grille and substantial ground clearance of 206 millimetres. Standing at an overall height of 1,885 millimetres, it presented a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its massive headlights, seemed ready to devour the pavement ahead, giving the GX a distinctive and aggressive face. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs prevalent in Toyota's lineup. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was let down by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RX, following a full redesign, offered a mixed bag in terms of styling. The front end was dominated by an oversized trapezoidal grille, which, combined with large air inlets, created a bulky appearance. The hood's design added to this effect, making it less sleek than previous RX models. The rear, however, was more cohesive, with a tidy design that connected the taillights with a single light strip. Inside, the RX boasted a more conventional and inviting layout, with faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen in higher trims. The interior was covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, providing a sturdy and luxurious feel.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX's driving dynamics were surprisingly communicative, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base RX 350's turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-litre engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-litre inline-four with a hybrid system for 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid added an 18.1-kWh battery pack, increasing power to 304 hp and offering up to 60 kilometres of electric range. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ provided a more responsive driving experience. The RX prioritized comfort with its soft suspension, though it exhibited noticeable body roll in corners.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with a deep centre console bin, convenient cupholders, and adjustable sliding mechanisms for the centre armrest. The second row provided comfortable seating, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was cramped, suitable only for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2024 Lexus RX provided ample front seat space with power adjustments and standard heating and ventilation. The rear seats offered good legroom and headroom, with standard rear climate controls and USB ports. The RX's cargo space was 838 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. The trunk was practical, though the load floor was slightly higher than competitors, requiring more effort for loading.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor.

The 2024 Lexus RX benefited from a redesigned infotainment system, offering a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. The system accepted natural speech commands and included cloud-based navigation, though it faced connectivity issues. The RX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, providing excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX offered modern safety technology.

The 2024 Lexus RX received five stars from NHTSA in overall and side collision protection and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Some features were overly sensitive, but they could be adjusted or disabled.