2020 Lexus RX vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and various aluminum wheel designs. The Laredo trim started at $31,945, with an additional $1,495 destination charge, and 4WD added another $2,000. The Grand Cherokee offered 11 additional trims, each catering to different needs, from style to off-roading to luxury and performance. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured a performance vented hood, unique 20-inch wheels, and special leather seats. However, the interior had some drawbacks, such as hard plastic panels and a few build quality issues.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received a refresh with significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned, and new paint colors were introduced. The rear end got a new shape with dual exhaust, rear diffuser, and updated reflectors. Inside, the RX offered various interior colors and materials, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added unique features like a special steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The cabin was luxurious, with leather-wrapped surfaces and a hardy design suitable for family life, though the center stack looked dated.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower. For more power, buyers could opt for a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, or the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. An 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X test vehicle had Quadra-Drive II, an active full-time system with a 2-speed transfer case, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.3 mpg. On pavement, it felt robust, with good acceleration and handling, though the brakes struggled during long descents. The Trackhawk version offered astounding performance but at a high cost and low fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L models had slightly lower power figures. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower. The RX 450hL had a similar setup but with different power outputs. The RX was not particularly fast, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it offered a smooth and connected driving experience. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, enhancing agility and performance.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 5-passenger midsize SUV, provided ample space for a family. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, but the hard plastic front-seatback panels were uncomfortable for backseat passengers. Storage space was limited, with small bins and trays, though the cargo area was usefully shaped, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German rivals but was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was cramped. The front seats were comfortable and provided good visibility, though the A-pillar obstructed the view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor. 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 Grand Cherokee Laredo came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims featured a more advanced Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, voice recognition, and navigation. Pairing a smartphone was easy, and the voice recognition system worked well. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Lexus RX improved its infotainment system by moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The center console touchpad system was more responsive, and the RX had six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered modern driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available semi-autonomous parking assistance. The Advanced Active Safety Group package added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the Grand Cherokee received poor safety ratings from the IIHS and a 3-star rollover resistance rating from the federal government.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 model added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included 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.