2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, but the cabin, despite its luxurious feel, was criticized for being too dark.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, with a base price of $48,909, offered a more affordable electrified SUV option. Its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim gave it a sporty look, though the interior was basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, was the top trim, featuring Canyon River Blue paint. The CR-V's conservative styling, with a technical front resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, though it appeared visually heavy over the front wheels. The rear quarter view was its best angle, with Volvo-like taillights and a tidy design. Inside, the Touring featured leather seats with orange stitching and quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers, contributing to a sophisticated feel in the compact SUV segment.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The performance was adequate, but the engine note was grating. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, only slightly better than the older RX L model. During testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension, commendable body motion control, and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The system worked transparently, though it produced a low-speed acoustic warning and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 6.4 L/100 km, but it returned 8.7 L/100 km during testing. The ride was quiet and compliant, with predictable handling and impressive grip. The brakes performed well under heavy use, though the steering effort was unusually heavy. Overall, the CR-V was easy to drive, though not particularly exciting.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, moving the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX had numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seats. All CR-V Hybrids featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy and comfortable, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The CR-V offered ample storage, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected. The Hybrid's cargo area measured 1,028 litres, expanding to 2,030 litres with the back seat folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional tech options in the Executive packages. The head-up display, though useful, had unmarked steering wheel controls that required referencing the display, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a Drive Connect subscription was needed for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Pairing an iPhone was easy, though the voice recognition system was basic. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a walk-away automatic locking system, providing peace of mind by locking the doors as you walked away with the key fob.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, though it wasn't entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The system performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included Honda Sensing, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid trims added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. Honda Sensing performed well, though it was uncertain in long curves and gave an inaccurate lane-departure warning due to skid marks. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it didn't achieve the top award due to a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.