2024 Lexus RX vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from the base RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Trail trim, which we tested, featured a distinctive design with a two-part face and blacked-out wheels, giving it a rugged appearance. However, despite its off-road styling cues, it was more of a visual statement than a true off-road performer. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 provided a practical and somewhat rugged experience, with features like a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RX, following a recent redesign, presented a mixed bag in terms of styling. The front end was dominated by an oversized trapezoidal grille, which some found awkward, especially in lighter colours. The interior, however, was more conventional and inviting, with faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen in higher-priced packages. The RX's interior was covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, offering a comfortable and luxurious feel. Despite some design quirks, the RX aimed to provide a refined and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine choice, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered standard all-wheel drive across all trims. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was reliable and capable, with a focus on practicality rather than speed. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup that provided a comfortable ride, though it was not designed for aggressive driving.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered a range of powertrains, starting with the base RX 350's turbocharged 2.4-litre engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350h hybrid version delivered 246 horsepower, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo engine with a hybrid system for 366 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ offered 304 horsepower and an estimated electric range of 60 kilometres. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ provided a more responsive driving experience. The RX prioritized comfort over sporty handling, with a soft suspension that smoothed out road imperfections.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five passengers, offering 958 millimetres of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. It provided ample legroom in the front but was narrower in the back compared to competitors. The RAV4 excelled in storage options, with a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered spacious front seats with plenty of power adjustments, standard heating and ventilation, and a comfortable ride for long trips. The rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom, with standard rear climate controls and USB ports. Cargo space was 838 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded. While the load floor was slightly taller than competitors, the trunk was practical and easy to access with available power-folding buttons.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch screen for the Limited trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Trail trim, however, did not include the upgraded multimedia system.

The 2024 Lexus RX featured a redesigned infotainment system with a touchscreen measuring 9.8 inches in lower trims and 14 inches in higher-end models. The system offered natural speech commands and cloud-based navigation, though connectivity issues were noted. The RX also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system for audiophiles.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating strong crash-test performance.

The 2024 Lexus RX received five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While some safety features were overly sensitive, they could be adjusted or disabled as needed.