2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. The updates were more than just minor tweaks, as the styling changes allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to align with Lexus cars, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear design was refreshed with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels, enhancing the SUV's sporty appeal. The leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, although the center stack's design appeared dated compared to industry trends.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, adopted a tougher and more angular look, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mechanical appearance. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested its capability for off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited. Standard LED headlights and taillights were complemented by adaptive headlights on the top trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid boasted a simple and functional design with tasteful trim. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the Softex seats and interior materials were of good quality. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin was spacious, with impressive rear legroom and cargo capacity, matching the standard RAV4's 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk space.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with a recommendation for 95 octane fuel. The RX 450hL, an elongated version, produced 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor, supported by a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled CVT and all-wheel drive, with an additional motor on the rear axle adding 67 horsepower. The RX's acceleration from zero to 60 mph took 7.9 seconds, with slightly longer times for the RX 450hL. Fuel economy varied, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD reached 30 mpg combined. The RX F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for enhanced agility, with various drive modes available, including Sport S+ for F Sport models.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. Its standout feature was a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 mpg, which was consistently achievable in testing. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain included a front electric motor delivering 118 hp and a rear motor providing 54 hp, drawing power from a nickel-metal hydride battery. The hybrid system's efficiency was enhanced by Predictive Efficient Drive, optimizing battery discharge and charge. The RAV4 Hybrid's AWD system, without a heavy driveshaft, weighed only 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model, benefiting handling and fuel economy. The hybrid system provided smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid version. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, with optional trailer accessories. Its steering was light, and the suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable drive.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior, while not as minimalist or stylish as some German luxury SUVs, was functional and comfortable. The two-row RX model accommodated four adults comfortably, but the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had 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 RX-L versions.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, optional 8-inch screen, and intuitive climate controls. The center console provided space for a cell phone, cupholders, and a storage bin. While the cabin could be quieter, the hybrid model reduced engine noise. The RAV4 Hybrid's rear seat was spacious, with ample legroom for three adults, and the cargo area was generous, matching the standard RAV4's capacity. The hybrid hardware was packaged without compromising interior or cargo space, maintaining 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, often criticized, saw improvements with a closer 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen. Despite this, navigation remained challenging, but Apple CarPlay integration provided a solution. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other app compatibility. The touchscreen improved physical control, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with standard SiriusXM Radio. These features surpassed Toyota's Entune software, and while navigation was available, most preferred Google or Apple Maps. WiFi Connect was offered with a trial period. The RAV4 Hybrid included USB-A ports, with additional ports in higher trims. Predictive Efficient Drive enhanced hybrid efficiency, and drive modes like Eco, Sport, and Trail allowed customization.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. New for 2020 were daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX 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 IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. A one-year trial of Safety Connect was included. Standard safety features included stability control, LATCH anchors, and eight airbags. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating, with recalls for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.