2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

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 was well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique elements like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among other features. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was aging.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner maintained its timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. The flared wheel wells accommodated bulky off-road tires, and the short overhangs allowed the 4Runner to tackle steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop on the TRD trim was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, with different grille accents depending on the trim. The 4Runner's trim lineup included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, and Limited, with the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition trims adding unique aesthetics and off-road capabilities. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though it still had plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

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 on premium 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had the same engine but were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a recommendation for 95 octane or higher gasoline. The RX 450hL used the same setup but achieved 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrid models had an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with an additional motor on the rear axle adding 67 horsepower. The RX took 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, with the RX 450hL taking slightly longer. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models had adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, with various drive modes available, including Sport S+ and Customize for F Sport owners. The RX provided a smooth and connected drive experience, with good insulation and structure keeping the cabin quiet.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-liter V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner performed best off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance allowing it to handle rough terrain. The steering was heavy and vague, with significant body roll in corners. The 4Runner was available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), with the TRD models featuring advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were its main strength, with the part-time 4WD system in the TRD models handling challenging terrain effectively.

The 2020 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 in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space than rivals, with about 20 cubic feet less rear storage area compared to the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, with a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The dashboard featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC controls and slightly smaller knobs for the stereo, with physical buttons lining the 8-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel had an array of buttons for various controls, though they were not illuminated. The 4Runner's tall seating position provided a commanding view, with power-retractable running boards available on the Limited trim. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats in non-TRD and non-Venture trims, though these seats were best for short and occasional use. The third row lacked legroom and comfort, with narrow and thin seats.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. The infotainment system was still difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The center console touchpad system was improved, and two additional USB ports were added, bringing the total to six. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system available. A CD player was also standard.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, but the onboard navigation system was challenging to manage. The 4Runner also featured Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB media port in SR5 and TRD Off-Road trims, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. Higher trims included a JBL stereo and navigation system. While the 4Runner's technology was updated, it still lagged behind competitors in features and usability. The 4Runner's advanced features were more focused on off-road capabilities than dashboard technology.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included 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 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner also had eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three out of five in the rollover test. The IIHS gave the 4Runner a Good rating in most crash tests, except for the small overlap front: driver-side test, where it scored a Marginal. The 4Runner's adaptive cruise control worked well, but its high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.