2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was aging.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being a decade old, maintained a design that looked just right. It showcased traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, making it equally at home on trails and at valet stands. Prices ranged from $32,150 for the Laredo to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions available. The Limited X trim, tested at $53,275, featured a ventilated hood design, sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, disappointment set in with the interior materials, especially in models priced over $50,000, where hard plastic became more prevalent despite premium materials in some versions.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL taking slightly longer. Fuel economy for the RX 350 was 23 mpg combined, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, enhancing agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, with the F Sport package adding Sport S+ mode.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving 21 mpg combined. Three V8 engines were available, including a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 horsepower, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 horsepower, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 horsepower. The Trackhawk could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Limited X featuring Quadra-Trac II 4WD. On pavement, the Grand Cherokee had mixed driving dynamics, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements. The steering and brakes were average, but the Grand Cherokee's traditional SUV behavior was appreciated.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors but was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee seated five people, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat and 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded down. Heated and 8-way power-adjustable front seats ensured comfort, though ventilated seats were not available in the Limited X trim. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel was comfortable, and rear passengers had adequate legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins. Grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks were a thoughtful touch.

The 2020 Lexus RX featured an 8.0-inch display and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen, moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. The infotainment system was difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The center console touchpad system had improved responsiveness. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available. A CD player was standard.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan supported up to eight devices. The Limited X trim had a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available in higher trims. The Uconnect system featured Off-Road Pages for off-roading information and Performance Pages for performance metrics in SRT and Trackhawk models.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX had a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages: ProTech I, ProTech II, and Advanced ProTech II. ProTech I included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. The Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings from the IIHS for driver and passenger protection in small overlap frontal-impact tests.