2023 Lexus GX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was a standout model, available in multiple trims: the base 350, F Sport, and the three-row L with a gas powertrain, as well as the hybrid RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L could seat seven. Redesigned in 2020, its modern and sporty design made it the contender with the most aggressive styling among midsize luxury crossovers like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Sharp character lines and angular features reminiscent of a boomerang were noteworthy but tastefully restrained, making the vehicle eye-catching without overdoing it. The 2022 color palette introduced new hues such as Cloudburst Gray and Iridium, while the F Sport models included the striking Grecian Water, bringing the total to seven paint options.

The F Sport trim, living up to its name, boasted 20-inch wheels and distinctive black exterior features, including mirrors and window trims, along with F Sport exclusive badges and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. Compared to the base and L models, the F Sport had a more athletic bumper design. All trims provided a high-fashion allure, but F Sport stood out with its sporty aesthetics.

Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious yet sporty feel, especially the F Sport, which featured specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim, including the pedals and footrest, paired with NuLuxe synthetic leather in black or dark red. Non-F Sport models had various combinations of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats with different metal and wood trims. The interior provided plenty of soft-touch materials and high-quality hard plastics, yet the center stack looked a bit outdated, partly due to its abundance of buttons, a drawback of the long stretch without redesign.

Comfort-wise, the RX F Sport’s NuLuxe seats lacked plushness, leaving drivers needing more lumbar support and finding difficulty in attaining an ideal driving position. Only 2,500 units of the limited-edition Black Line trim were offered, adding unique black-colored touches and contrast gray stitching throughout the cabin, enhancing its premium appeal.

The 2023 Lexus GX, in contrast, was defined by its imposing spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. Its front end commanded attention, complemented by massive headlights that framed its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with only 3,000 units available in Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its commanding front end, the GX seemed smaller along the sides, with a comparably short 109.8-inch wheelbase, shorter than a two-door Jeep Wrangler. Its minimal overhangs and flared fenders were marked by a more refined design than its Toyota counterparts. From the driver’s seat, the hood fell away quickly, simplifying off-road maneuvers, unlike other tall-profile vehicles.

Inside, however, the GX was laden with plastic materials that contrasted with its luxury badge. Although it had luxury touches like heated and cooled seats, and a power-retracting steering wheel, the overall dated design reflected its low sales, leading Lexus to prioritize easy manufacturing and a cost-effective approach.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors to deliver 308 horsepower. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available, while the hybrid RX was all-wheel drive only.

Despite its performance-oriented F Sport badge, the RX fell short in vigor. The engine’s sound resembled a turbocharged four-cylinder rather than a robust V6, providing underwhelming acceleration and a lack of energetic responsiveness. The F Sport included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension borrowed from the LC500 sports car, alongside a Sport+ drive mode. However, transitioning between Normal and Sport/Sport+ made little noticeable difference. Eco mode did soften the dynamics further but offered a discernable change in throttle response.

The RX excelled in comfort and quietness, absorbing road imperfections effectively and isolating cabin noise. Its EPA estimates were competitive, with the RX 350 at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The AWD and three-row variants saw a slight dip. The RX 450h hybrid notably improved fuel efficiency with a combined 30 mpg.

In comparison, the 2023 Lexus GX was driven by a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite not matching the advanced engines like Toyota’s twin-turbo V6 hybrid, the GX’s V8 offered a linear power delivery and a satisfying sound. Its 6,500-pound towing capacity was practical but fell short of other SUVs.

Fuel economy was not the GX’s forte, with a subpar 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX’s substantial weight contributed to its cumbersome handling, though its predictable and controllable roll made it manageable. Lexus had fine-tuned the steering and brakes, enhancing driving dynamics gradually over time. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential improved the four-wheel drive system’s user-friendliness during challenging conditions.

The 2022 Lexus RX’s two-row model provided 99.8 cubic feet of passenger space, comfortably seating four adults, though the middle rear seat was best for short trips. Headroom was generous at 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with ample legroom at 44.1 inches up front and 38.0 inches in the back.

Three-row L models, despite sharing the same wheelbase, offered limited room for third-row passengers, suitable primarily for groceries or short trips. The RX 350L came with a 2/3/2 seating configuration, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and offered 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Models equipped with a third row had a maximum cargo capacity of 58.48 cubic feet when all rear seats were down, though the seats did not fold flat, and a high load-in height could be inconvenient.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and well-placed cupholders. Despite having only old USB-A ports, it maintained traditional hard buttons for controls, eschewing modern touch interfaces. The adjustable center armrest and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs or three-across bench seat ensured a pleasant experience, though the third row was too cramped for regular use.

The GX’s cargo capacity was limited, with just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding down the third and second rows provided 46.7 and 64.7 cubic feet, respectively, less than what one might expect from such a bulky SUV. The side-hinged rear door required muscle to open and presented practical challenges in tight spaces.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with either an 8-inch or an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, mounted within a cove atop the center stack. This positioning created access issues due to a lip blocking icons on the touchscreen’s bottom, leading to frustrations. Alternatives included voice commands and a touchpad, although the latter was highly sensitive and difficult to use, often leading to accidental settings changes. Despite these challenges, the RX offered a range of tech features including six USB ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and several high-quality audio system options.

On the 2023 Lexus GX, the tech update in 2022 included a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The outdated Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) remained but was less necessary due to the touchscreen’s improvements. However, this system lagged behind newer Lexus models like the NX and RX in terms of speed and graphical quality.

The GX did shine with off-road technologies like a real 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, traction and stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for adaptable suspension. The Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, crawl control, and other terrain-specific driving aids.