Honda CR-V vs Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on elegance and simplicity, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was a standout, featuring a distinctive spindle grille and refined styling reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. Despite this, the NX maintained high-quality standards, though some elements, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner, more conservative design with a blunt nose and stretched wheelbase, promising a timeless appeal. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and leather-wrapped interiors, echoing the design of the latest Civic with its metal mesh trim. The interior was praised for its quality and simplicity, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system and additional features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and power rear liftgate. Starting at $34,240 in Canada, the CR-V offered a range of trims, including the Sport and EX-L, with the Touring Hybrid as the only hybrid option in Canada, priced at $48,890 before fees.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport variant added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250's 203-horsepower engine. The NX excelled in handling, though it was not suited for off-road adventures due to its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the previous generation, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V was praised for its refined ride and handling, with a suspension, steering, and brakes honed to near perfection. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and test results showing an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered increased interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row was more spacious, offering a high seating position and ample legroom. The CR-V excelled in storage solutions, with a large bin under the centre armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V EX-L's cargo area offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were slightly reduced in the Hybrid model.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CR-V EX-L added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. While the CR-V's technology was improved, it did not surpass competitors, and some features, like the Bose sound system and navigation, were reserved for the top Touring Hybrid trim. The EX-L's larger display lacked a tuning knob, replaced by less satisfying buttons.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages included rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's new Traffic Jam Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist for low-speed situations. The CR-V was built with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and new airbag designs. The 2023 CR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.