2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The SUV offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some competitors. Its appearance was more compact due to a reduction in rear overhang, softer design lines, and a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a signature spindle-style grille, seamlessly integrated with a modern mesh texture, and a dramatically elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, while the interior boasted a modern look with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX was available in several trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a significant styling departure for the model, adopting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider than the previous version, with a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated with a modern, aggressive look, and the rear end appeared blockier, echoing the bold front fascia. The Hybrid Touring trim featured black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, with 19-inch wheels as standard. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel and high-quality materials. The cabin was consistent with its Honda stablemates, featuring a honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents and contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During a test drive in California, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a smooth ride, though it occasionally exhibited torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, felt more secure and eliminated most unwanted bouncing. The RX 350 AWD was estimated to average 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results showing slightly higher consumption.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered four drive modes: Snow, Sport, Normal, and Econ. The CR-V Hybrid was responsive and suitable for highway merging, with a towing capacity of up to 450 kilograms. It featured a new "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking and was estimated to consume 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior with semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel in the Executive trim. The F Sport 3 trim featured sportier black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a thick-rimmed heated steering wheel. Both models provided ample leg support and good legroom in the rear, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 millimetres, and the reclining rear seats offered eight positions. The CR-V Hybrid provided ample storage, with a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display (HUD) with dual-function steering wheel controls.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 9-inch version for higher trims. It included physical buttons for key functions, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Hybrid Touring trim featured a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, wireless charging pad, and Honda's smart navigation system, which optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with additional safety updates like new airbags and a stiffer structure.