2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added a retro flair with its heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and retro body stripes. This special edition was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs of the past, offering a rugged and enduring appeal. Inside, the cabin was functional, with solid plastic materials and easy-to-use controls, even when wearing gloves. The 40 ASE was priced at $54,380, with no additional options.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, offered a more modern and refined aesthetic. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle featured a sleek design with 21-inch alloy wheels and a minimalistic interior. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner look with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim. The RX 350h started at $63,436, while the RX 500h began at $83,086.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and had a fuel economy rating of 13.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over bumps.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more efficient and dynamic driving experience. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 6.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided a more engaging drive, while the RX 350h offered a quieter and more fuel-efficient ride.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort and luxury. The RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The rear seats offered excellent leg support, but headroom was limited due to the lower roofline. The RX provided 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,308 litres with them folded, an improvement over the previous model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a straightforward infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and buttons suitable for gloved use. Voice recognition performed well, though the system's graphics were dated.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services plans. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some drawbacks, such as limited screen menu views and reflections on the display. The available head-up display and touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel added convenience but could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety features generally performed well, some aspects, like the curve-speed reduction tech, were less refined.