2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the sea of compact crossovers. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being rare and limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with higher trims featuring wood panels and more chrome for a modern look. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition had a bold, blacked-out exterior that eradicated almost all chrome, giving it a unique and aggressive look. Despite its modern touches like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's overall design remained reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the GX boasted high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, with the Black Line Special Edition featuring NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the GX's interior layout and some switchgear felt dated, and the rear seat access and cargo space were less practical compared to modern SUVs.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high-performance driving but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided a predictable driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup and unitized body structure contributed to decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, offered a more powerful but less fuel-efficient performance. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The GX featured a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a stable and secure driving experience. However, its high curb weight, boxy shape, and always-on 4WD system resulted in a low fuel economy of 16 mpg combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved off-road capability and on-road stability, but the slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five people and their gear, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on the Touring trim. However, roof rails were only standard on the top-tier Touring trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and ample padding. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. However, the rear seat access was challenging, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-opening tailgate was heavy and impractical in tight spaces, and the overall cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch screen on the base LX trim, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system ranged from a 180-watt system with six speakers on the Special Edition and EX trims to a 300-watt system with a subwoofer on the Touring trim. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use and included a dual-screen view for navigation and radio. However, the placement of stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The GX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and standard Intuitive Parking Assist technology, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age but included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies found in competitors.