2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and ruggedness, a legacy that began with the Series I off-roader. Over the years, it evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, appealing to affluent landowners. By 2020, the Range Rover offered various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Optional upgrades ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxurious amenities like massaging seats and quad-zone climate control.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received a refresh that enhanced its appeal in a competitive market. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and a redesigned grille, with new paint options like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. Inside, the RX maintained a well-appointed cabin with various material combinations and optional wood and aluminum trims. The F Sport package added performance-focused features like a unique steering wheel and 20-inch wheels. While the RX's interior wasn't as minimalist as some German rivals, it offered comfort and practicality, though the center stack's design felt dated.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim had 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 boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic trim offered a performance-tuned V8 with 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 excelled in off-road capability, thanks to its Terrain Response System with multiple drive modes.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L variant had slightly reduced power at 290 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450hL hybrid offered 259 hp from the gasoline engine and 165 hp from an electric motor. The RX's hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. While not a performance powerhouse, the RX provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with the F Sport package enhancing agility. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid excelled with 30 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard and Long Wheelbase. Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to four. The SWB model had 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, enhancing cargo loading convenience. The interior boasted a digital control panel with space for small items and decently sized door compartments.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior accommodated four adults comfortably in the two-row model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views. The RX's cargo area was smaller than some rivals, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, and stereo functions, while the lower screen controlled climate settings and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu. While the system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, it offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, though criticized, saw improvements with a touchscreen moved closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was challenging to navigate, but Apple CarPlay and other integrations like Amazon Alexa and Android Auto provided workarounds. The RX featured a touchpad system with improved responsiveness and six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. 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 RX included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 model added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, and road-sign assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect subscriptions were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing.