2023 Honda CR-V vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from its predecessor's more expressive design. While the styling was more conservative, it was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L models shared 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, maintaining a uniform exterior look. Inside, the EX-L offered leather-wrapped seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, enhancing the interior's quality over the standard cloth upholstery in the EX. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, featured metal mesh trim that integrated air vents, creating a clean and simple interior design. The CR-V EX-L further distinguished itself with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate, along with front and rear parking sensors.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with upscale styling. Our test model, in Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance. The TX's design was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a conservative look. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the TX 550h+ which was expected to start over $75,000. Our test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included packages like the Convenience and Technology Packages, bringing the MSRP to $67,869. The Luxury trim added premium interior features, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt too dim even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite this, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, handling various road conditions with ease. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy of 29 mpg in combined driving, as per EPA estimates, and our test vehicle averaged 29.1 mpg on a mountainous route.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg in combined driving for the FWD model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt low, giving it a car-like feel. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats provided comfort. The second row offered more space, resembling a midsize model with ample thigh support and legroom. Taller passengers might find headroom limited, but adjustable seatbacks helped. The CR-V had generous storage options, including a large center armrest bin and various trays and bins. The cargo area offered 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. Our TX 350 Luxury model featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. However, the top-tier CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid was needed for premium sound and navigation. The technology was user-friendly but not groundbreaking, aligning with competitors rather than surpassing them.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless smartphone integration and a digital assistant. The TX included free subscriptions to various services, enhancing connectivity and safety. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features like Traffic Jam Assist and improved camera and radar units enhanced safety. However, lane-centering assist could be improved. The CR-V's ACE body structure and new airbag designs aimed to enhance crash protection, though official safety ratings were pending.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always transparent. The TX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. Traffic jam assist provided hands-free driving at low speeds. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was effective, though it could be overly cautious in certain situations.