2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Audi Q7

Lexus upgraded the RX for the 2020 model year with significant design refinements both inside and out that aimed to keep it stylish amidst growing competition. Standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and distinctive L-shaped taillights contributed to its refreshed appearance. Optional triple-beam LED headlights added further sophistication, while two new paint colors, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, enhanced its visual appeal. Alterations to the grille brought it closer in line with the aesthetics of its sedan lineup. The rear received attention too, with a new shape featuring dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors. The introduction of an available hands-free tailgate added convenience and modernity.

Inside, the RX’s cabin was well-adorned with a variety of interior color schemes and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trims. The F Sport appearance package elevated its sporty credentials with a unique steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and specific exterior and interior enhancements. Leather-wrapped surfaces exemplified premium luxury, though the center stack’s dated design showed the vehicle’s age. Despite this, the RX’s cabin remained functional, pleasant, and hardy enough for family wear and tear.

For the 2020 model year, the Audi Q7 underwent a facelift that introduced new front and rear styles, along with updated wheels and lighting elements, harmonizing its look with the flagship Q8 model. Particularly on the Prestige trim, features like 20-inch turbine-style wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat all-season tires were included. The exterior redesign enhanced its overall visual appeal, making it standout in its segment.

Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit provided customizable instrumentation, while two touchscreens on the center console handled infotainment functions. The test vehicle, decked out in Okapi Brown leather with Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays and bathed in multi-color ambient lighting during nighttime, exuded an upscale, high-tech feel. The Q7’s cabin was both luxurious and modern, aligning well with contemporary expectations for a premium SUV.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The three-row RX 350L, using the same engine, generated a slightly reduced 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Hybrid variants, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower. The RX 450hL’s elongated version offered 247 pound-feet of torque from the gasoline engine and an additional 67 horsepower from a rear axle motor.

The RX’s performance, while not thrilling, fulfilled most driving needs comfortably. The standard RX model had a zero to 60 mph time of 7.9 seconds, with slight variations for hybrid and three-row models. Fuel economy ranged from 21 to 23 mpg combined for gasoline models, while hybrids excelled with 29 to 30 mpg combined. The F Sport Handling Package added features like adaptive variable suspension and sportier elements to enhance agility. Various driving modes, including EV mode for hybrids, allowed for some customization of the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI featured a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and had a tow rating of 7,700 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 18 mpg combined, with real-world testing returning around 21 mpg.

The Q7’s adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select system, offering multiple driving modes including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad, provided versatility for varied driving conditions. Despite occasional lazy throttle responses in Comfort and Auto modes, switching to Dynamic improved off-the-line acceleration. The mild-hybrid technology functioned seamlessly, aiding in fuel conservation. The Q7 showcased impressive agility and stability across different terrains and driving conditions, with notably quiet cabin due to dual-pane acoustic window glass.

The 2020 Lexus RX offered a practical yet less stylish interior compared to its German competitors. The two-row version comfortably accommodated four adults, but the three-row RX-L’s third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin's width and height provided adequate space, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, although the A-pillar affected cornering sightlines. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with a high load floor reducing capacity. The RX 350L and 450hL had less cargo room than rivals like the Lincoln Aviator, making them less ideal for those prioritizing storage.

Conversely, the 2020 Audi Q7, though advertised as a seven-seater, was more practical as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seat, suitable only for children, required sliding the second-row seats forward, and its use significantly reduced cargo space. With the third row folded down, cargo space expanded to a useful 35.7 cubic feet, and further to 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Overall, the cabin was comfortable for long journeys, with heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience. However, the Q7’s limited interior storage space posed a drawback, with inadequate compartments for everyday items.

The Lexus RX faced criticism for its challenging infotainment system, despite improvements in 2020. The standard 8.0-inch and optional 12.3-inch touchscreens had been moved closer to the driver for easier access. Yet, the system was still difficult to navigate and customize. Standard Apple CarPlay integration addressed many of these issues, bypassing the less user-friendly Lexus interface. The infotainment system supported Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other popular apps, improving overall functionality. The addition of two extra USB ports brought the total to six. The RX’s standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson system for audiophiles, and a CD player.

In comparison, the 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, with 10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower touchscreens. The system included natural voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Earth navigation, and Audi Connect services, offering a more advanced and intuitive interface than its predecessor. Despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry fingertips, overall usability was satisfactory once initial setup was complete. The Prestige trim’s head-up display, though not visible with polarized sunglasses, and the Bose premium sound system, delivered high-quality audio. The Q7’s technology package, though not flawless, represented a significant upgrade over previous models.

The 2020 Lexus RX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. Enhancements for 2020 included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. Additionally, Lexus provided a three-year subscription to Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. Despite some connectivity issues during testing, the RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, indicating solid crash protection.

The 2020 Audi Q7 excelled in safety with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS). Highlights included Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane-centering technology. Despite some issues with the traffic-sign recognition system and Active Lane Assist, the Q7’s safety features were generally effective. The HD Matrix LED headlights, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for excessive glare, provided excellent illumination during night driving. The Q7 earned top collision protection ratings from the IIHS, reaffirming its safety credentials.