2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to hold its own with a design that had evolved since its introduction in 2002 and a major redesign in 2010. By 2020, it had adopted the bold hourglass grille that characterized the Lexus lineup, which surprisingly suited the GX better than some of its larger counterparts. While the exterior received updates, the interior remained largely unchanged from a decade ago, featuring a chunky center console and large buttons that harkened back to early 2010s styling. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced navigation systems.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained its timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, emphasizing its utilitarian nature. The 4Runner's design was functional, with flared wheel wells for off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep terrains. The trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with special editions like Nightshade and Venture adding unique aesthetics. Our Limited test model focused on comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a robust driving experience, especially off-road. The GX featured light yet responsive steering and a self-leveling air suspension for a smooth ride. It excelled in off-road conditions, offering various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was built for durability and off-road performance rather than efficiency, offering a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control made it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll and vague steering. Fuel economy was also a downside, with estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in its Premium and Luxury trims. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, the overall cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GX featured a side-opening rear hatch, which was unique but not particularly advantageous, though it did have a separately opening rear window for convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner prioritized visibility and practicality, with a tall seating position and large knobs for easy control of the HVAC and stereo systems. The 4Runner's optional third row was best suited for short trips, with narrow and thin jump seats that folded for additional cargo space. Despite its size, the 4Runner had a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches, making it more maneuverable than some competitors. The interior was functional, with power-retractable running boards on the Limited trim for easier access.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured an older touchscreen infotainment system, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity and large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls made it user-friendly compared to more complex modern systems.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a technology update with an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Toyota's proprietary system was straightforward, the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. Despite these updates, the 4Runner's technology still lagged behind competitors, with the most advanced features focused on off-road capabilities.

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, complemented by excellent visibility from the driver's seat.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in rollover tests. The IIHS rated it well in most crash tests, except for the small overlap front: driver-side test.