2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Lexus GX

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 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, though the center stack's dated look was a drawback.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years. The spindle grille, updated in 2020, and new triple-beam LED headlights were notable features. The 2021 model added standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim. The GX's interior ergonomics, including the upright dashboard and high center console, left little legroom and made the steering wheel feel bus-like. Visibility was excellent due to the boxy profile, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood.

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 450h and RX 450hL featured all-wheel drive with an additional motor on the rear axle. The RX's acceleration from zero to 60 mph took 7.9 seconds, with the RX 450hL being slightly slower. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX 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, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's acceleration from zero to 60 mph took 7.8 seconds. The V8 engine provided ample grunt at low speeds but struggled at higher speeds due to the vehicle's 5,130-pound weight. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Crawl Control. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and offered respectable ground clearance and approach, departure, and break-over angles.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. 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 spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and decent outward visibility. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even 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 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with limited legroom and a bus-like driving position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. The GX had less cargo space than competitors, with only 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. With the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

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. The system remained difficult to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate issues. The RX had six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available. A CD player was also standard.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. Analog controls were included for most functions, providing a more straightforward interface. The GX had two USB ports for each of the first two rows but none for the third row. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with the 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.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.