2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to sport the distinctive hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. This design update, while controversial on some models, seemed to fit the GX better than its larger sibling, the LX. The GX's rugged and capable platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to maintain its off-road prowess, even as it aged. Inside, the GX's cabin remained largely unchanged from a decade ago, featuring a chunky center console with large buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, a throwback to early 2010s Lexus styling. This utilitarian interior, while outdated, still worked well for a rugged SUV like the GX.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 received a more modern and high-tech update. The Q7's design changes included new front and rear styling, wheels, and lighting elements, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, featuring three digital displays and Audi's Virtual Cockpit panel. The cabin, decked out in Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe. The Prestige trim's standard multi-color ambient lighting added a soothing ambiance at night, enhancing the overall luxurious feel of the Q7.

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 these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light yet direct steering and self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride, making it capable both on and off the road. The GX's 4WD system and various chassis controls made it a beast in challenging conditions, and it could tow up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, generating 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q7's 48-volt mild-hybrid system helped conserve fuel, contributing to an observed average of 21 mpg during a road trip. The Q7's adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system provided a range of driving modes, making it agile in town, athletic on winding roads, and planted on highways. The Q7 could tow up to 7,700 pounds and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Despite some lazy off-the-line response in Comfort and Auto modes, switching to Dynamic mode improved throttle response significantly.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. While the captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row, getting adults into the third row was still a chore. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a convenient feature.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats and seven-passenger capacity, was best used as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat was suitable only for young children, and using it required sliding the second-row seats forward. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 14.2 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows provided 69.6 cubic feet. The Q7's cabin was comfortable for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats, plenty of legroom in the second row, and a panoramic sunroof. However, practical interior storage was limited, with the center console and dashboard screens taking up much of the available space.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was a welcome contrast to more complex modern setups.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the new Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with Google Earth imagery, and Audi Connect subscription services. While the touchscreens were sometimes unresponsive due to dry fingertips, the overall user interface was intuitive. The Prestige trim also featured a full-color head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system for 2021.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, which provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to excessive glare. The Q7 also offered numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system and Active Lane Assist technology had some issues, leading to occasional braking and confusion. Despite these quirks, the Q7 received the highest ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.