2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxury, such as massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a strong presence with its updated hourglass grille design. Sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, the GX was known for its rugged capability, which often outweighed the need for innovation. The interior, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling, featured a large center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of standard and optional features, including leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-equipped nature and Amazon Alexa integration.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with a plug-in hybrid option offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover's electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System ensured a comfortable and capable ride, both on and off-road.

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 4-wheel drive. While its power figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 offered a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX featured light yet direct steering and a self-leveling air suspension, providing a smooth and composed ride. Its 4WD system made it highly capable off-road, with various modes and controls for different terrains. The GX could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: LWB and SWB, both with standard seating for five. The optional second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating to four but enhanced comfort, especially in the LWB version. The SWB model provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB offered 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury, the Range Rover's cargo space was less than some competitors. It featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, making loading easier. The interior offered convenient storage options, including a center-console compartment and door cargo compartments.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on 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 could be challenging for adults. The GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats folded, less than some competitors. It featured a side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch, allowing easy access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response. Integrated dials in the lower screen changed functions based on the menu. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob was still present. The Range Rover also included a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a simpler, true touchscreen setup, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, its simplicity was appreciated compared to modern Lexus systems. The older layout was easier to use, though it meant missing out on some modern connectivity features.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

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's high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing safety.