2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a robust and angular design that set it apart from its predecessors. The trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota's truck line, added a sense of heft, while the beveled and angled bodywork framed the headlights, giving it a more substantial appearance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid continued the angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard featuring beveled cutouts. The materials used were average for its class, with hard plastics prevalent, though most contact surfaces were lightly padded. The base model and the new Woodland trim opted for a urethane steering wheel, which felt rubbery and cheap, but higher trims offered a leather-wrapped option. The build quality was strong, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks on rough roads.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX had a more upscale appearance, especially with the Luxury trim's 22-inch silver-finished wheels. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. Our test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included several packages, bringing the total to $67,869. The interior, though dark, was luxurious enough for the Lexus badge, with premium materials and features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to accelerate to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, making it quicker than the standard RAV4 by half a second. The hybrid powertrain offered a smooth ride, with regenerative braking charging the battery during initial pedal strokes. The suspension provided a comfortable ride over bumps and potholes, and while not sporty, it delivered confident cornering. The driving dynamics were calm and effortless, similar to its rivals.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 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 the torque. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and better traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension was firm yet compliant, providing a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered ample space for front passengers, while the rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably. It provided slightly more rear headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, though legroom was slightly less. The rear seat cushions were low, which might have left taller passengers wishing for more thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with 37.5 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, only slightly less than the non-hybrid RAV4. The rear seatbacks folded flat with the cargo floor, though shorter owners might have found it challenging to reach them. Interior storage was a highlight, with a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a spacious center armrest bin.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the old RX L and GX models. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with power-folding seats expanding it to 57.4 cubic feet. Folding the second-row seats provided an impressive 97 cubic feet of cargo space. The TX had numerous storage slots, though many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration. The split front center armrest design was well-intentioned but resulted in a narrow opening for the storage bin.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a new infotainment system with modern graphics and logical menu arrangements. Most trims came with an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though a wireless charging pad was optional. The system supported over-the-air updates and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The top trim offered a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, included a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. It came standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added features like a blind-spot monitor and parking sensors. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was included, though it was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.