2021 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued with some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which looked better on the GX than on some other models. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained its decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasizing rugged capability over modern innovation.

Inside, the GX's cabin was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons. This design worked well for a rugged SUV, even if it felt outdated compared to newer models. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-rounded features and value.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade, introduced in 2015, shared its underpinnings with the Jeep Compass but drew design inspiration from the iconic Wrangler. It featured a boxy profile, circular headlights, and an upright seven-slat grille. The 2021 model carried over the subtle refresh from 2019, with some previously optional features now standard. Inside, the Renegade had a modern, functional cabin with an upright center stack, making controls easily accessible.

The Renegade offered a variety of trims and special editions, including Sport, Jeepster, Latitude, Upland, 80th Anniversary, Islander, Limited, and Trailhawk. Each trim provided a unique set of features, from basic amenities like push-button start and dual-zone climate control to advanced options like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The Trailhawk trim stood out for its off-road capabilities, including skid plates, tow hooks, and a lifted suspension.

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 (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted at first but proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and corners with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust 4WD system and various chassis controls, including Downhill Assist Control and adjustable suspension modes. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. In a week of mixed driving, it averaged 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4WD. The turbocharged engine provided better performance with its extra torque and smoother operation under hard acceleration, though the transmission sometimes struggled with smooth shifts.

The Renegade had a solid ride quality, handling corners well despite its tall profile. The suspension was composed over rough surfaces, though the Trailhawk's off-road setup was less refined. Its short wheelbase and impressive visibility made it a great city car. The Renegade's terrain management system, with Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Rock modes, enhanced its off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk trim, which boasted 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a "Trail Rated" designation.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. These captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade provided 50.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 18.5 cubic feet with the seats in use. These specs were above average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Renegade's tall, boxy design offered plenty of headroom in both rows, with great legroom in the front and adequate space for adults in the rear. The cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including small cubbies and trays, and the front passenger seat could fold forward for added space or as a table for gear.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering a simpler user interface compared to newer Lexus models.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on mid-tier trims and standard on higher trims. Both screens ran the intuitive Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a logical menu layout, easy-to-read graphics, and a helpful dock for major functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on both screens, with a Kenwood premium audio system available.

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. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

For 2021, the Jeep Renegade made several previously optional safety features standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and front and rear parking sensors were optional. Despite these features, the Renegade received only four out of five stars in crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Parallel parking assist was also available.