2020 Jeep Renegade vs 2020 Lexus RX

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 other Lexus cars, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. 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, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's dated look was a drawback.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade retained its signature Jeep design elements, including round headlights, a 7-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches. Primary trim levels included Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various special editions available. Pricing started at $25,210 for the base Sport trim, while the tested High Altitude trim, loaded with extras, reached $36,515. The High Altitude featured extra-cost paint, dark gray 19-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic glass roof, giving it a grown-up look. Despite these enhancements, the interior still showed its inexpensive origins with hard plastic materials and an all-black color scheme that looked cheap despite the fancy details.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had slightly lower figures 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 achieved 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, with fuel economy ranging from 21 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the model. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, enhancing agility and driving experience.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade offered a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive on base models and all-wheel drive on higher trims. The tested turbocharged engine provided peak torque at 1,750 rpm but suffered from turbo lag and a transmission calibrated for fuel economy. The Renegade averaged 23.6 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 26 mpg. The driving dynamics were less impressive, with a flinty ride, sloppy steering, and a loud cabin, though the Trailhawk trim offered better off-roading capabilities.

The Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German competitors but was functional. The two-row RX 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 visibility, though the A-pillar impeded some views. 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.

The Jeep Renegade's interior felt larger than its competitors due to its boxy design, panoramic glass roof, and vertical side glass. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to get comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Rear seat space was cramped but acceptable for short trips. The Renegade had limited practical interior storage and cargo volume, with 18.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements included moving the display closer to the driver. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The physical control system improved with a more responsive touchpad. The RX featured six USB ports, a standard 12-speaker audio system, and an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The Jeep Renegade impressed with its technology, featuring the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Despite showing its age, Uconnect remained user-friendly with volume and tuning knobs and logically arranged menu buttons. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The new Kenwood premium audio system provided good sound, and the Renegade offered a comprehensive driver information center and parking assist system.

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 received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The Jeep Renegade's Advanced Tech Group included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Safety and Security Group added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Renegade earned a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and commendable scores from the IIHS, though it lost its Top Safety Pick rating from 2019.