2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Cadillac XT4

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a “Y” trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trim. The test vehicle featured the Premium Luxury trim, which emphasized comfort over sportiness. It came with front-wheel drive, Silver Radiant metallic paint, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a navigation system, a Bose premium audio system, and several option packages, totaling $45,660. The XT4's exterior was visually appealing, especially with the 20-inch wheels, and its interior used competitive-quality materials, though some elements like the plain black trim around the power window controls were less impressive.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, continued to show its age despite some design tweaks. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which was more palatable on this model than on others in the Lexus lineup. The GX's decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasized rugged capability over innovation. The interior retained its early 2010s styling, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, which worked well for a rugged SUV. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of standard and optional features.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front or all four wheels, with the FWD model achieving an EPA-rated 26 mpg. The test vehicle returned 24.8 mpg. The XT4's torque provided a lively driving character, but the FWD model experienced front-wheel slip and torque steer. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered smooth shifts but was hesitant to downshift in Tour mode, a problem somewhat mitigated in Sport mode. The XT4's interior needed better isolation from engine and road noise, and the ride and handling were mixed, with the standard suspension struggling with speed humps and smaller bumps.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The V8 provided a swell of power in real-world driving, and the GX's light steering was direct and responsive. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth, composed ride, and the GX excelled in off-road conditions. The GX's 4WD system and various chassis controls made it highly capable off-road, and it could tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was unimpressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, and the test vehicle averaged 16.3 mpg.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's interior offered comfort for the driver and front passenger, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats. The rear passenger compartment was roomy, though the rear seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, and the climate controls were elegantly arranged. The cabin provided ample storage space, but cargo capacity was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in the Premium and Luxury trims. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, though getting into 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 some competitors. The GX featured a side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch, which was convenient for accessing the cargo area.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured the latest version of the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, which was easier to use than previous versions. The test vehicle included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, Cadillac Connected Access services, and near-field communication pairing to Bluetooth. The 8-inch touchscreen was complemented by intuitive controls on the center console and steering wheel, and a voice-recognition system. However, the screen could be larger, and the climate system was not integrated into the voice-recognition system. The optional 13-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, but the test car lacked some advanced features like a head-up display and a rear camera mirror.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simpler layout was easier to use than the modern Lexus Remote Touch system but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, many drivers appreciated the straightforward interface.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 came standard with forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and the Safety Alert Seat system. It also included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and two years of automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package included automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a following-distance indicator. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features were available in additional packages. The XT4 received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for certain tests.

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