2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 460, with its geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more vertical front end, giving it an aggressive look. The flat hood, with its distinctive humps above the front wheels, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The GX's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The SUV was offered in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models emphasized opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail packages focused on off-roading capabilities with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite its price, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiency. All models featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with a range of packages available. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant. The RX avoided the single curved display trend, opting for a more traditional layout.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered impressive torque low in the rev range, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road performance despite its size.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying powertrains. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, was the most efficient, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 60-kilometre electric-only range. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and the Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between driver and machine.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical buttons, including rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row and expanding to 2,178 litres with seats folded. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the automatic climate system's fan was loud. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, were comfortable. The RX offered ample interior storage, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the second row folded. However, the cargo cover hindered loading full-size suitcases.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, subscription costs after the initial trial were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and climate control dials. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with generous complimentary subscriptions to connected services. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and dangerous to use while driving. The RX's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great, but the steering wheel controls were frustrating.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. The GX's modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems improved its safety offerings, though crash test ratings were not yet available.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a surround-view camera. In NHTSA crash tests, the RX earned a five-star rating, but the IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests.