2019 Cadillac XT4 vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 featured a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a spirited ride, with an extra-short first gear for quick takeoffs and a tall final gear aiming for a competitive 27 mpg in front-wheel-drive (FWD) form. The base Luxury trim, starting at $34,795, included luxury features like LED headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, many expected features were missing from the base trim, requiring an upgrade to the Premium Luxury trim at $39,295 or the top-tier Sport trim, which started at the same price but included additional sporty features and options that could push the price to $57,135.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, received some design tweaks, including the hourglass grille. The GX shared a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasizing rugged capability over innovation. The cabin retained its decade-old design with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, which worked well for a rugged SUV. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim included features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Premium trim added rain-sensing wipers, 3-zone climate control, and navigation, while the Luxury trim included premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4's turbocharged engine was a strong performer with 258 lb-ft of torque available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm and 237 horsepower peaking at 5,000 rpm. The 9-speed transmission managed power gaps well, but the short first gear could overpower the front wheels, making all-wheel drive (AWD) a recommended option, though it reduced combined mileage to 24 mpg. The transmission's frequent gear shifts at low speeds could cause acceleration issues, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. The XT4's adaptive sport suspension and mechanical torque vectoring allowed it to handle corners well, but the 20-inch wheels required for this setup negatively impacted ride quality.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While modern V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines could exceed these figures, the V8 provided a unique power experience. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted initially but proved direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and corners with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4's design and assembly were adequate for its price and segment, with fewer obvious GM parts than usual. It offered ample space for front and rear passengers, even for those over 6 feet tall. The trunk provided 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 49.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. However, many safety features were optional, adding significantly to the price, and some features like auto-up rear windows were missing even in the top-tier trim.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs in the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard in the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between children. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 replaced touch-sensitive panels with traditional buttons, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system. Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provided familiar operating systems, and USB-C ports were included. However, most tech features were optional, and the rear-view mirror's camera feed was necessary due to poor rear visibility caused by thick C-pillars and a raked rear-hatch window.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a simpler, decade-old layout featuring a true touchscreen and large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This setup was easier to use than the modern Lexus Remote Touch system but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this tradeoff, many drivers preferred the simplicity of the older system.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. While it offered impressive optional safety systems, the high cost of these options meant that families considering the base model might be disappointed by the lack of standard safety features.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured standard blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's excellent visibility, thanks to large windows and mirrors, further enhanced its safety.