2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines contributed to a smaller appearance, while the floating roof effect added a modern touch. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, and the RX came in various trims, including hybrid options.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), embraced a retro aesthetic with body stripes and bronze accents. It was based on the SR5 trim and featured a heritage grille, bronze wheels, and badges. The 4Runner maintained its truck-based SUV appeal with a solid and purposeful interior, despite the abundance of plastic. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those who appreciated a rugged, traditional SUV experience, with a focus on off-road capabilities and a nostalgic nod to the past.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with 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 testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 350 Executive trim showed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more composed ride. The F Sport 3 also featured upgraded brakes, although the testing route did not fully challenge their capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was supported by features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. While it excelled in off-road conditions, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that required careful modulation.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided a comfortable interior with options for premium leather upholstery and advanced seat adjustments. The Executive trim featured luxury seat designs, while the F Sport 3 offered sportier seating with NuLuxe simulated leather. The rear seat was spacious, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space with the second row in place, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's interior was practical, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating was roomy, and a third-row seat was available, though it compromised cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second row, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The power-down rear window and tailgate bumper seat added to its functionality.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, user profiles, and streaming capabilities. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation and optional head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with options for navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large buttons and knobs, and the voice recognition performed well.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less favourable, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover resistance.