2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 RX offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though it still lagged behind some rivals. 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 better-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood that swept back into the windshield pillars. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper with simulated air vents. The RX's exterior styling was distinct enough to stand out from the previous generation, yet it shared an aesthetic with the smaller Lexus NX, ensuring it wasn't just a larger copy.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, complimentary for three years on some models, made using the RX's features easier. Quality levels were high, with NuLuxe artificial leather as standard and genuine leather available. The RX was available in several trims, including the RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 206 mm ground clearance, had a commanding presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was more utilitarian, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with a disappointing amount of plastic material. Despite this, it featured heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery. The GX was a low-selling model, and its design and manufacturing reflected a focus on cost-effectiveness rather than innovation.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured 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. This engine offered more torque and better high-altitude performance than the previous 3.5-litre V6, though it lacked the smoothness and refinement of the V6. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, but the F Sport 3's suspension eliminated most unwanted bouncing and rolling. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't match the power of newer engines like Toyota's 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kg, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in city driving and 14.5 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners, and its brakes were strong and reliable. The standard 4WD system, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, made the GX user-friendly in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered a comfortable interior with sport seat bolsters in the F Sport 3 package, providing better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Executive trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Both models provided exceptional comfort, with a roomy and supportive back seat. The cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX's interior featured hard buttons for controls, which some users preferred over touchscreens. The centre console lid had adjustable sliding mechanisms, and the second row offered comfortable captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was tight for regular use, and the side-hinged trunk door required effort to open. The GX provided 328 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

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, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant natural voice recognition, allowing users to issue commands with "Hey Lexus." The system supported user profiles and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a colour head-up display and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. However, the GX's infotainment technology lagged behind newer Lexus models, with slower response times and less crisp graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and various off-road driving technologies.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like 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. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction technology, were not as effective as expected.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included Lexus Safety System+ and other safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.