2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to sport the distinctive hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX's second generation persisted into 2020 with some design tweaks. The updated front end and headlights gave it a refreshed look, although the interior remained largely unchanged from a decade ago. The cabin featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of standard and optional features.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sportage boasted a more modern and city-friendly design. Its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights gave it a unique appearance, which Kia described as "Euro-focused." The two-row crossover SUV had a relatively short wheelbase and overhangs, making it ideal for urban driving. Inside, the Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, flanked by air vents and physical buttons for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most tech-forward, was still a pleasant place to sit, with good legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The SX Turbo trim offered additional luxury with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 6-speed automatic transmission and sent to a standard 4-wheel drive (4WD) system. While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a unique swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine for the LX and EX trims, producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine for the SX Turbo trim, making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage's fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the 2.4-liter FWD models achieving 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while the AWD models dipped to 21/25/23. The turbocharged models had lower fuel economy, with the FWD version at 20/28/23 and the AWD at 19/24/21. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left something to be desired. The SX Turbo trim offered a more rewarding driving experience, particularly for those seeking a sporty drive.

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. These captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, accessing the third row could be challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited. The Sportage provided 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, which was not competitive with other compact crossovers.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simpler layout was easier to use compared to the more complex systems in newer Lexus models.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard equipment. Most trims also included Kia’s UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Sportage's technology was user-friendly, with logical menus, physical buttons, and handy knobs, making it easy to use without frustration.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included 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.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim also included adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.