2023 Nissan Ariya vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Nissan Ariya was a standout in the electric vehicle market with its modern and striking design. Unlike traditional gas-powered SUVs, the Ariya featured a smooth, oval shape with minimal horizontal lines, giving it a unique and futuristic appearance. The front boasted thin LED headlights and a V-Motion design language, while the rear had a sleek taillight spanning its width. Inside, the Ariya impressed with its beautiful craftsmanship, featuring dual 12-inch monitors and illuminated haptic buttons. The interior felt open and airy, thanks to the absence of a transmission tunnel, although the armrest heights were a minor discomfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and high ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited units and exclusive paint colours. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, a result of its low sales and cost-saving measures. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other blocky Toyota models, making it easier to handle in technical driving situations.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The Evolve e-4ORCE added a second motor for a total of 335 hp, while the Venture+ FWD featured an extended-range battery and a 178-kW motor for 238 hp. The top-tier Platinum+ e-4ORCE boasted 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Ariya's performance was commendable, with quick steering and well-managed body roll. The AWD version provided significant power, reducing 0-60 mph acceleration to 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's range was impressive, with the FWD model achieving around 350 kilometres.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-litre 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 newer engines, the V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, but its fuel economy was less appealing, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, offering a spacious interior with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. However, headroom in the back was slightly compromised by the moonroof. The Ariya's cargo space measured 1,670 litres, comparable to other electric crossovers but less than traditional SUVs. The interior featured innovative storage solutions, including a powered bin under the centre stack and adjustable centre console. The Ariya's controls required some pressure to operate, but this issue was resolved in the production model.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice, although the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The centre console lid was adjustable, accommodating different-sized occupants. The second row offered comfort with captain's chairs, while the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, offering crisp and bright visuals. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a wired connection. The Ariya integrated with Alexa for smart home connectivity and included a head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, enhancing the Ariya's tech-forward appeal.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering standard features like SiriusXM and smartphone compatibility. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, KDSS air suspension, and various driving aids for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya came equipped with ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. However, it had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included Lexus Safety System+ with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its safety features were up-to-date.