2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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, 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, which some found refreshingly straightforward compared to more modern, complex setups.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's design, though also a decade old, still looked right at home both on rugged trails and at upscale venues. Its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, gave it a balanced appearance that appealed to a wide range of buyers. The Grand Cherokee offered a variety of trims, from the base Laredo to the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models, each with its own unique features and price points. The Limited X trim, tested at $53,275, featured a sport-themed front bumper, ventilated hood design, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom appearance that suited the vehicle well.

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 responsive steering and self-leveling air suspension contributed to a smooth and composed ride, both on and off-road. The GX's 4WD system, combined with features like Downhill Assist Control and adjustable suspension modes, made it highly capable in challenging conditions. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, offered satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the Grand Cherokee offered three V8 engine options, including the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk model, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's 4WD systems, such as the Quadra-Trac II in the Limited X trim, provided excellent off-road capability. However, its on-road driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

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 and a natural barrier between passengers, the third row was less accessible for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with seating for five, offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat and 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded down. The Limited X trim featured heated and 8-way power-adjustable front seats, though ventilated seats were not available. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins, though the center armrest bin and glovebox were small. Thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks added convenience.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its true touchscreen interface, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, was simpler and more user-friendly than modern Lexus systems. This simplicity was appreciated by some drivers, despite missing out on newer connectivity features.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system, long praised for its speed, graphics, and ease of use, included an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services in the Limited X trim. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, supporting up to eight devices. The test vehicle also featured a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, though higher trims offered a superior 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. Unique to Jeep's Uconnect were Off-Road Pages, providing valuable information for off-roading adventures.

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

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. Despite these features, the Grand Cherokee's crash-test ratings were unimpressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS in certain tests.