2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 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 competitors. Its exterior design featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, a modern mesh texture, and a light-blade taillight design. The RX's interior was modern, with fewer buttons and a focus on digital instrumentation, offering high-quality materials and a choice between NuLuxe artificial leather and genuine leather.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold geometric styling, moving away from the softer lines of the previous model. The GX featured a less pronounced spindle grille, standard triple-beam LED headlights, and a more aggressive front end. Its design was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in a single trim level with five packages, focusing on luxury and off-road capabilities. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, offering a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road features. The GX was less luxurious than some competitors but was built for durability and off-road prowess.

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. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The RX 350 offered a smooth ride, though it displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and composed driving experience. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds and had an estimated fuel economy of 9.9 L/100 km, though real-world results were slightly higher.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and advanced suspension technology for enhanced off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, though the testing conditions limited a full evaluation.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered a comfortable interior with premium materials and modern design elements. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a sophisticated interior colour scheme. The F Sport 3 trim had sportier seats and a more serious cabin design. The RX provided ample rear seat comfort and improved cargo space, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, though the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. The Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music apps, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. The RX also offered a premium Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface system, offering wireless smartphone integration and intelligent voice assistance. The GX included multiple USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The Drive Connect service required a subscription, and the GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher trims offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. The infotainment system was user-friendly but had subscription-based features.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems. It included features like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New additions included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, though some features had usability issues.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX's proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and comprehensive safety features inspired confidence.