2020 Lexus RX vs 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee underwent a significant redesign to address the polarizing styling of its predecessor. The new front-end design adopted a more conventional look, 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 appearance. Inside, the Cherokee's cabin retained its sensible and logical control layout, reminiscent of a downsized Grand Cherokee. The interior blended form and function, offering plenty of storage compartments and a user-friendly design.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received a refresh that included both exterior and interior upgrades. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with the option for triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was updated to resemble other Lexus models, and new paint colors were introduced. Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with various interior color and material combinations. The F Sport appearance package added unique design elements and performance-focused features, enhancing the overall look and feel of the SUV.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with the base 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The 3.2-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, was also available. The Cherokee featured a 9-speed automatic transmission and various 4-wheel-drive systems, including Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, especially the Trailhawk trim, which offered additional ground clearance and off-road features. On-road performance was solid, with the turbocharged engine providing good acceleration but being somewhat noisy. The Cherokee's towing capacity was impressive, with the V6 engine capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 350L, a three-row variant, had slightly lower power output at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 engine with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL, an elongated hybrid version, had a combined power output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from the electric motor. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrid models. The F Sport package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX's fuel economy was commendable, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with good handling and braking performance.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee 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, although its sensor was not always reliable. Cargo space was limited, with 25 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 54 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the compact crossover class.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was spacious and comfortable for four adults in the two-row model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The front seats provided good comfort and visibility, although the A-pillar could obstruct the driver's view of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its competitors, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee came standard with a 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. Higher trims received an 8.3-inch Uconnect system with updated graphics, improved responsiveness, and pinch-to-zoom navigation. The Uconnect system was praised for its user-friendly interface and customizable screens, setting a high standard for infotainment systems.

The 2020 Lexus RX addressed previous criticisms of its infotainment system by moving the standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen closer to the driver. Despite these improvements, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and other integrations provided alternative ways to use the system. The RX also featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

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 RX included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also came with a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, although not as high as newer models.