2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to hold its own with a rugged charm. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX maintained its second-generation design with some modern tweaks, including the bold hourglass grille that became a signature across the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on other models, it seemed to fit the GX's robust character better than its larger sibling, the LX. The GX's interior, however, was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found refreshingly straightforward compared to the more complex modern interfaces. 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.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille and athletic hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the unique chrome strip at the rear added character. The QX50's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. The cabin featured soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout, with controls that were easy to navigate. The QX50's Sensory AWD model came with 20-inch alloy wheels and a host of comfort features, including heated and cooled front seats. Despite some visibility challenges due to thick B-pillars, the QX50's aesthetics and functionality were generally well-received.

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 4-wheel drive system. While these figures might not have been groundbreaking, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet responsive, and its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust 4WD system and various chassis controls, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius, making it surprisingly maneuverable in urban settings. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The QX50's VC-Turbo engine was innovative, adjusting the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. While the engine's operation was smooth and quiet, the CVT's simulated shift points provided a more familiar driving experience. The QX50 offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its drive mode selector allowed for customization of engine and transmission settings, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness. The QX50 handled well on various road conditions, though it was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. 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's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, despite being a compact vehicle, felt spacious inside. It offered 38.7 inches of rear-seat legroom and sliding second-row seats for flexibility. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space with the moonroof and expanded to 64.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The QX50 was equipped with ample storage options, including cupholders and charging ports, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity was appreciated by those who preferred straightforward controls. The system featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for easy navigation, though it missed out on modern connectivity features.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in technology, with the InTouch infotainment system offering dual display screens and seamless smartphone integration. The 16-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the Around View Monitor with moving-object detection enhanced parking safety. ProPilot Assist, available on most trims, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Its high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, adding to its safety credentials.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, forward emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also included advanced systems like lane-departure prevention and blind-spot intervention on higher trims. The QX50 received favorable safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it Good ratings for crash protection and a Superior rating for front crash prevention.