2019 GMC Acadia vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2019 GMC Acadia presented itself as a stylish SUV with an athletic stance, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and upright grille. Despite not being marketed as an upscale vehicle, it rivaled the more expensive Buick Envision in terms of appearance and appeal. The Acadia was often seen as a step up for Chevrolet Equinox owners, but it offered broader appeal beyond that niche. Although classified as a midsize SUV, it felt closer in size to compact competitors like the Nissan Rogue. The Acadia's trims ranged from the basic SL to the luxurious Denali, with each level adding more features and options, such as the SLT-1 AWD with the Black Edition appearance package, which gave it a more aggressive look.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received a refresh that enhanced its already stylish design, making it stand out in a crowded market. The exterior updates included slimmer headlights, L-shaped taillights, and a grille that aligned more with Lexus cars. The RX offered new paint colors and a hands-free tailgate option. Inside, the cabin was well-appointed with various color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added performance-focused features like unique steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. While the RX's interior wasn't as minimalist as some German competitors, it was durable enough for family use, though the center stack's design was beginning to show its age.

The 2019 GMC Acadia offered two engine options: a 193-horsepower inline 4-cylinder and a more powerful 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 was standard on higher trims and provided impressive acceleration, with power delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The AWD system featured GMC's Active Twin Clutch, allowing drivers to switch between different modes for varied driving conditions. The Acadia's towing capacity reached up to 4,000 pounds with the V6. Fuel economy varied, with the base 4-cylinder achieving 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the V6 AWD returned 17/25 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L variant offered slightly less power at 290 horsepower. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor for a total of 308 horsepower. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds. Fuel economy for the RX 350 was 23 mpg combined, while the hybrid RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and additional drive modes, enhancing agility and driving experience.

The 2019 GMC Acadia provided ample space for front passengers, with deep trays and bins for storage. The SL, SLE-1, and SLE-2 trims offered 7-passenger seating, while the SLT-1 AWD featured captain's chairs, reducing capacity to six. The second-row seats were comfortable and provided access to the third row, which was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79 cubic feet with all seats folded. Rubberized floor mats made it practical for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior accommodated four adults comfortably in its two-row configuration, while the three-row RX-L's third row was cramped. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. Cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with a high load floor. The RX 350L and 450hL offered even less cargo space. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models, standard on RX-L versions.

The 2019 GMC Acadia's base SL trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen with GMC's IntelliLink system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen and added navigation. The SLT-1 and SLT-2 trims included a 4.2-inch color display in the gauge cluster, with the Denali trim offering an 8-inch display. A color head-up display was also available.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements included moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was challenging to navigate, but Apple CarPlay integration alleviated some issues. The RX also supported Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other apps. The system's physical controls improved with a more responsive touchpad. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2019 GMC Acadia came with standard airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The Driver Alert Package 1, standard on the SLT-1, added blind-spot warning and rear park assist. The SLT-2 trim included the Driver Alert Package 2, offering features like low-speed forward automatic braking and lane-departure warning. However, these features were standard on base trims of some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus RX included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Additional features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist were standard. The RX also offered a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.