2020 Lexus GX vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The previous generation, rumored to have Fiat origins, featured unconventional design elements that didn't resonate with everyone. The 2019 model, however, adopted a more conventional front-end design, replacing the isolated daytime running lights and fog-light-like headlights with a typical headlight-above/fog-light-below configuration. The rear also saw changes, with the license plate frame moved to the center of the rear hatch, giving it a more modern look. Inside, the Cherokee retained its functional and logical control layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee, with plenty of storage compartments and a sensible design that catered well to everyday use.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, received some design tweaks, including the adoption of the hourglass grille seen across the Lexus lineup. While the GX's new front end and headlights brought it in line with other Lexus models, the vehicle's decade-old design was still evident. The GX's cabin remained largely unchanged from its 2010 redesign, featuring a chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. This old-school interior design, while outdated, worked well for a rugged SUV like the GX, offering operability even with work gloves on. The GX's design emphasized capability over innovation, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, known for its ruggedness.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engines, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and the FWD Limited. The 4WD Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk trims came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new addition for 2019 was the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine, available across the lineup except for the base Latitude, provided solid acceleration but was notably noisy. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and several 4WD systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock, catering to various off-road capabilities. The Cherokee's towing capacity reached up to 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine, and its fuel economy varied, with the most efficient variant achieving 23 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX featured light yet direct steering, and its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's interior featured a highly functional control layout, with plenty of storage solutions, including deep pockets in the front doors, a tray by the shifter, and a deep center console. The Cherokee offered an optional hands-free power liftgate, though its sensor was not always reliable. The available cargo space was limited, with just 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V.

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 passengers. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. The GX featured a side-opening rear hatch, which was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. Higher trims included an 8.3-inch Uconnect system. The latest Uconnect system offered crisper graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The touchscreen menu had a user-friendly layout with customizable screens and dock buttons for major features.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering a simpler user interface compared to modern Lexus systems.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with front and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, keyless entry, and trailer-sway control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a self-parking feature.

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 blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX offered excellent visibility with large windows and mirrors, enhancing safety.