2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Lexus RX underwent a refresh, bringing several upgrades inside and out that allowed it to shine in a competitive field. The RX featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights. Triple-beam LED headlights were an available option, enhancing its modern appearance. The SUV's grille was altered to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and new paint options, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, were added. The rear received a makeover with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, updated reflectors, and an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX's cabin was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations. Equipment packages offered wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added sporty elements like a unique steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, along with performance dampers and sportier seats. Leather-wrapped surfaces gave the interior a premium feel, while the center stack's design appeared dated compared to contemporary car interiors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, in its familiar fifth generation, carried a design reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup with soft, curvy lines. It looked more like a station wagon than an SUV, defining modern family transportation. Inside, however, the CR-V's cabin mixed high-quality finishes with low-grade plastics, making it clear it was an upgraded commodity car rather than a premium product. The trim levels ranged from the base LX with an MSRP of $26,270 to the top-tier Touring at $34,470.

Standard 17-inch alloy wheels adorned the CR-V, with 18-inch wheels for the EX trim and optional 19-inch wheels for the Touring model. The higher trims featured leather upholstery, while the base models had fabric seating. A moonroof was included in EX trims and above, unlike the panoramic sunroof in some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 models were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque with premium 91 octane fuel. However, the three-row RX 350L had a slightly reduced output of 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The transmission provided smooth handling.

The RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 engine with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid required 95 octane fuel or higher. The RX 450hL had a different power output setup, achieving 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from the electric motor. Hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive powered by additional electric motors on the rear axle.

Most RX models accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, slightly slower for the RX 450hL. The RX 350 achieved 23 mpg combined, while hybrid models excelled with 30 mpg combined for the RX 450h. The RX F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. Driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with additional Sport S+ and Customize modes for F Sport packages.

The 2020 Honda CR-V switched solely to a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, generating 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The powertrain provided a quick response, especially in Sport mode, despite a momentary lag from a standstill. The CVT mimicked a conventional automatic well enough to go unnoticed. The CR-V's car-like demeanor translated to excellent road manners with nimble handling, making it feel like a small sedan.

The CR-V's lightweight at just 3,337 pounds for the FWD LX model contributed to its agility and fuel economy. FWD models achieved 30 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 29 mpg. A hybrid variant offered higher fuel efficiency but was covered in a separate review.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior, though not as stylish as its German luxury competitors, was practical. It could comfortably fit four adults in the two-row model, but the three-row RX-L's third row was only suitable for small children or pets. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, but the high load floor and split-folding rear seats limited cargo space compared to rivals. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space, with a significant shortfall compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. The hands-free liftgate was a practical touch, standard on RX-L models.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V was a masterclass in packaging, offering a roomier cabin without feeling oversized. The seating position provided excellent visibility, and clever storage solutions, such as the deep center console and two-position load floor, maximized cargo space. With the 60-40 split rear seats folded, the CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, rivaling the Volkswagen Tiguan despite being shorter.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, although the company made efforts to improve it by moving the display 5.5 inches closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was challenging to navigate, but the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other connected features provided some respite from the complicated system. Physical controls saw improvements though still not ideal. Standard audio quality was acceptable, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available for audiophiles.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system struggled against its competition. It featured a 5-inch screen in the base LX trim, with higher trims getting a 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to rivals. The system lacked hard buttons, making it difficult to operate. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on higher trims, they felt poorly integrated. Nonetheless, the CR-V had ample USB ports in the EX trim and above, and the Touring model added a wireless phone charger.

Standard safety features in the 2020 Lexus RX included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. The 2020 update added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect provided additional safety features, although their reliability was inconsistent. The RX received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, though not top-tier.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included "Honda Sensing" as standard, comprising forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Automatic high beams were standard, while blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring came with EX trims and above. The CR-V earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, with LED headlights on the Touring trim providing better visibility.