Lexus GX vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2024 Lexus GX displayed a complete transformation from its predecessor, the 2023 Lexus GX 470. The new design embraced sharp geometric lines, replacing the softer, more rounded corners of the older model. The brand’s emblematic “spindle” grille remained, though it was less accentuated. New sleek triple-beam LED headlights flanked the grille, resting on the squared-off upper front fascia. The robust front end stood more vertically, providing a more aggressive demeanor compared to its predecessor. The flat hood showcased humps over the wheels, aiding in positional awareness during off-road driving.

The side profile of the GX appeared almost as if sculpted from solid metal, with minimal character lines maintaining a horizontal path. The low window beltline designed for enhanced visibility, particularly off-roading, rose ahead of the C-pillar. Standard running boards and optional powered units on the Luxury+ trim finished the look.

Lexus offered the 2024 GX in six trims: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. Standard luxury features in higher trims included 22-inch wheels and illuminated doorsills, while the Overtrail models focused on off-roading with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires and durable Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

Inside, the Lexus GX balanced luxury with utility. Heated and ventilated front seats came standard, with robust polyurethane touchpoints and a large 14-inch touchscreen taking center stage. Physical controls for off-road functions and rotary knobs for climate control and stereo volume completed the dashboard.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sportier, albeit more conservative appearance with black 18-inch wheels and a blacked-out exterior trim on the base Sport Hybrid, starting at $33,700. Higher trims, like the Sport-L Hybrid at $36,700 and the Sport Touring Hybrid at $39,850, offered interior upgrades and exclusive features like gloss black 19-inch wheels.

The CR-V’s styling was relatively subdued with a technical face, resembling an "angry robot," some said. It seemed top-heavy, especially from the front, but looked upscale from the rear quarter with Volvo-adjacent taillights. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered leather seats with orange stitching and sophisticated design details like soft-touch materials, metal mesh air vent covers, and knurled metallic trim.

The 2024 Lexus GX moved away from its previously standard V8 engine, switching to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, which produced 349 horsepower and 479-pound feet of torque. This contemporary powertrain delivered impressive low-range torque, making off-road obstacles easier to clear. Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with other Toyota and Lexus models, the GX boasted a stiffer chassis for better stability on rough terrain and highways alike.

The GX used a 10-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth and reliable, paired with standard full-time 4WD and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and Lexus’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. During testing, the GX showed excellent acceleration, effective braking though the conditions were favorable, and a composed demeanor on twists and turns.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 204-horsepower hybrid system that combined a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This engine could act as a generator in certain conditions, providing power to the battery and subsequently to the propulsion motor. Despite its complex powertrain, the CR-V Hybrid performed transparently, save for minor engine droning at low speeds or uphill climbs.

Honda’s CR-V Hybrid was supposed to achieve 37 mpg in combined driving, but during tests in Southern California, it managed only 32.4 mpg. While falling short on fuel economy expectations, the CR-V delivered a quiet, compliant ride with reliable handling. The brakes proved effective on a mountainous descent, though the steering effort felt heavier than usual.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a minimalist yet sophisticated interior. Essential physical buttons were maintained for convenience, with climate control rotary knobs flanking the central touchscreen. Seating was comfortable for six-foot-tall adults in the first two rows, boasting 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury trims, was tight and best suited for children with 31.7 inches of legroom.

Compared to the Land Rover Defender 110, the GX generally offered more spacious seating. Cargo capacity in the GX was impressive, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Total cargo space soared to 76.9 cubic feet, and the Overtrail models without a third row offered even more space, up to 90.5 cubic feet.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in practical form and function. Its 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and comfortable, high-support seats were highlights. The back doors opened nearly 90 degrees, facilitating easy access, especially useful for installing child safety seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and soft, padded materials, with additional amenities like air vents and USB-C ports enhancing comfort.

Although the glove compartment was small and missing seatback pockets for the driver’s seat, the CR-V excelled in cargo space. The Sport Touring trim provided 34.7 cubic feet behind the second row, while other trims offered 36.3 cubic feet, approaching midsize SUV territory. With the rear seats folded, all CR-V Hybrid models offered up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive within its class.

For the 2024 Lexus GX, a 14-inch touchscreen was the focal point of its tech suite, supplemented by front USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. In the Overtrail models, additional USB-C ports in the rear were standard, while other models offered more USB-C ports throughout. A useful 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk and the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhanced the tech experience. Subscription services like Drive Connect added intelligent voice assistance, and Remote Connect allowed remote vehicle access and control, but required a subscription after an initial trial.

The standard audio system included 10 speakers, with the option for a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo in Luxury and Overtrail+ trim levels. Despite its user-friendly interface and stylish design, the reliance on a subscription model for long-term ownership added potential costs to consider.

Conversely, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen, with a 9-inch display available for higher trims. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were reserved for Sport-L and Sport Touring trims, which also included a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and navigation. Bluetooth pairing and Apple CarPlay were straightforward, though the voice recognition system was basic and less intuitive than smartphone digital assistants.

The CR-V Hybrid also featured convenient tech like walk-away automatic locking, adding peace of mind for the forgetful. Subscription-based connected services, such as accessing a Wi-Fi hotspot, were exclusive to the Sport Touring trim.

For the 2024 Lexus GX, safety saw significant upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard. This suite included pre-collision detection, avoidance, braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature also enhanced safety, dynamically braking when needed.

While neither IIHS nor NHTSA had crash-tested the 2024 GX, the modern GA-F architecture and extensive ADAS features implied enhanced safety levels compared to previous models.

Safety in the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came via the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, traffic jam assist, and driver monitoring. Additionally, it included rear-seat reminders, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking.

During extensive testing, the Honda Sensing technology performed admirably, particularly the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Despite a momentary falter on the 101 freeway curves, the system was otherwise flawless. The 2024 CR-V awaited NHTSA ratings but had previously earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS for 2023, suggesting high safety standards.