2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Honda HR-V

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.

The 2021 Honda HR-V is the automaker’s smallest crossover SUV, sitting below the Honda CR-V in size and price. While Honda hasn’t updated the HR-V in some time, it remains worthy of consideration thanks to agile handling and impressive practicality for its size.

Because while it’s billed as an SUV, the HR-V shares a platform with the discontinued Honda Fit hatchback. The HR-V is a bit bigger than that pint-sized wonder however, and adds features SUVs buyers want, such as a taller driving position and available all-wheel drive (AWD).

Honda launched the HR-V for the 2016 model year, and added more tech features for 2019. While Honda has been pushing these updates, the subcompact crossover category has exploded, adding new entrants from the likes of Hyundai, Kia, and Toyota.

The HR-V doesn’t receive any major updates for the 2021 model year, so we’re using our experience with past model years for this overview. The HR-V LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L trim levels carry over for 2021, but the HR-V Touring is no more. The only other changes are new wheel designs for the Sport, EX, and EX-L models, and added privacy glass for the HR-V Sport.