2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades both 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, 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 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 starting to show its age.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being over a decade old, maintained a timeless and appealing design. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels under flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee lineup included affordable trims like Laredo and Limited, upscale versions like Overland and Summit, performance models like SRT and Trackhawk, and the off-road-focused Trailhawk. For 2021, minor updates were made to the Laredo and Limited trims, and new versions like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition were introduced. The Summit trim, tested with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 4WD, featured the Platinum Series Group and Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package, enhancing its premium look with body-color mirror caps, door handles, and platinum chrome finishes. Inside, the Summit's cabin boasted premium leather, genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, creating a luxurious feel despite some aging elements.

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 outputs of 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, while the RX 450hL had a combined output of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from the electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h AWD achieving 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and various drive modes, enhancing agility and driving experience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine offered 360 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management provided excellent off-road capabilities. The Summit trim included a Quadra-Lift air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Grand Cherokee was responsive and relatively quiet during daily driving, though the V8's fuel consumption and occasional bounciness were noted. The SUV's tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its practicality.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility. However, the cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had 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 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured flat, firm, and supportive seats with a heated steering wheel. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package added luxurious touches like quilted and perforated leather. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. Interior storage was adequate, though the DVD/Blu-Ray player took up space in the center console bin. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet when the second-row seats were folded flat.

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 closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate, though Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. A CD player was also standard.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system remained impressive, offering a nearly flawless user experience, fast response, and pleasing graphics. Features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM provided satellite radio, Traffic Plus, Travel Link services, and SiriusXM Guardian for remote access and emergency services. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee's technology was considered "tech lite," offering essential features without overwhelming complexity.

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 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 IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. While the 4WD model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the 2WD model had a four-star rating due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS gave the Grand Cherokee "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included the ProTech II Package with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Grand Cherokee also featured a backup camera, parking sensors, and ParkSense parking assistance.