2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium brand, intended to be nicer than Chevys but not as luxurious as Cadillacs. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins with its more upscale sibling. The Acadia Denali trim, with its all-wheel drive, Satin Steel Metallic paint, and Technology Package, aimed to convey an upscale aspiration. The design changes for 2020 were most noticeable in the front, featuring squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, the cabin saw minor updates like new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim for Denali models, but it still contained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, featuring sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus, but the gauge cluster and center stack design showed their age. The NX's interior was functional but lacked the modernity seen in some competitors.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder for lower trims, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the SLT, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 for the AT4 and Denali variants. All engines were paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia AT4 featured a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth, refined power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a smooth but forgettable driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. The F Sport variant featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered both FWD and AWD options, with the AWD system capable of transferring up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD variant had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX's adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) aimed to provide a smooth and engaging driving experience, though the steering was somewhat numb.

The 2020 GMC Acadia could seat five, six, or seven passengers, depending on the trim level and configuration. The Denali trim featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was roomier than expected but still limited in space. Interior storage improved with new electronic transmission controls and a reconfigured center console. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with front seats providing ample room and the second-row seats fitting two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX had 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services, including a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered higher resolution and improved voice recognition. Additional technology upgrades included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror. The infotainment system was user-friendly and easy to navigate.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely. The Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly compared to competitors, but running Apple CarPlay or Android Auto improved the experience.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came with standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were standard from the SL trim upwards. Advanced safety features like forward collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance were available in higher trims. The NHTSA gave the Acadia 5-star ratings in most assessments, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS provided incomplete data, with high marks in available tests.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The IIHS gave the NX top "Good" scores in all crash tests, and the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services.