2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. It had sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper, but otherwise looked similar to the gas-only versions. Inside, it offered different trim and unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid came in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim adding features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for the model year, came in four series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was available in F Sport and Luxury trims. The NX featured a new spindle grille, block lettering on the tailgate, and a more spacious interior. The F Sport trim had a unique mesh-pattern grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. The interior was minimalist, with many functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. The NX also had an electronic shifter and high-quality materials, though some controls felt less refined.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid used a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—and three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid weighed 194 pounds more than the gas-only version but had a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. It provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, though it returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 F Sport had additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the Luxury trim offered a softer ride. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The rear seat offered ample space, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo space was 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the gas-only version.

The 2022 Lexus NX had a more intimate dashboard design but remained comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seats were roomy, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX offered 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Luxury trim included ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system featured a seven-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was slow to start, and voice recognition was limited. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging, though the latter took up significant space on the center console.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. The system supported multiple connected service plans and over-the-air updates. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. It also had Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.