2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

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 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, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, and the center stack, though functional, appeared dated.

Jeeps were unmistakable on the road, especially Wranglers, with their circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. The Wrangler Unlimited looked more like a fully enclosed "recreational utility vehicle" than a commuter car, thanks to its removable top, fold-down windshield, and exposed hinges and bolts. Inside, Jeep focused on keeping the cabin fresh with a retro look featuring circular climate vents and gauges. The Wrangler Unlimited came in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each offering different levels of ruggedness and comfort. The Sport trim was basic, with manual windows and locks, while the Sport S added power windows, locks, and air conditioning. The Sahara was the most upscale, with body-color fender flares and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Rubicon was the off-road king, with a lifted suspension and mud-terrain tires. Special editions like the Willys and Black and Tan added unique features and styling.

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 the same engine but was limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL, an elongated version, had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL taking slightly longer. Fuel economy for the RX 350 was 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h achieved 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, including Sport S+ for a firmer suspension setting. The RX provided a smooth and connected driving experience, with good insulation and strong braking.

The base engine in the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was a 3.6-liter V6 making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a 6-speed manual transmission standard. An 8-speed automatic was available, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine made 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine provided excellent low-speed performance and fuel economy of 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. The Wrangler Unlimited had a rough ride compared to car-based SUVs but excelled off-road with features like locking front and rear differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar. The diesel engine allowed for precise off-road performance, and the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched. The most efficient gas-powered version, the 4-cylinder turbo with the 8-speed automatic, achieved 21 mpg city, 22 highway, and 21 combined.

The Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it 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 good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The Jeep Wrangler was available in two basic forms: the standard two-door Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler Unlimited was more popular, with features like removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and a droppable and removable roof. The base soft top could retract partially or fully, and the hardtops added more protection from the elements. The Wrangler Unlimited had about 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered flat, less than less-capable SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Despite the limited cargo space, the Wrangler's unique features and off-road capabilities made it stand out.

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 was improved but still not perfect. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The Jeep Wrangler Sport and Sport S trims came with a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available on the Sport S via a Technology package. The Sahara and Rubicon could be upgraded to an 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, HD Radio, real-time updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio 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 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 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety equipment included airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. The base safety package added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-path detection. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and full-speed forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's safety options were helpful due to its awkward sightlines.