2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a bold departure from its predecessors with a rugged and angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was also capable of 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, enhancing its aggressive stance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's interior was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While it lacked luxury features like leather upholstery, the Softex seats and quality materials provided a comfortable experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a massive grille that contributed to its tough and aggressive look. However, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a redeeming feature, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim. The GX's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility and analog controls for ease of use.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a 219-horsepower powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered impressive fuel economy, achieving a combined EPA rating of 40 miles per gallon. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was cleverly designed, eliminating the need for a heavy driveshaft and weighing only about 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model. This contributed to its agile handling and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system provided ample electric power, making acceleration quicker than the non-hybrid version. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a towing capacity of up to 1,750 pounds, with smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided strong acceleration from a stop, the GX's 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds. Merging and overtaking required careful planning, and braking demanded extra attention. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, making it a capable off-road and towing vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's interior was designed with excellent ergonomics, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen and intuitive climate controls. The center console provided ample storage space, including a wireless charging tray option. While road noise was a minor issue, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive mitigated engine noise. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space. The hybrid model maintained the same interior and cargo space as the standard RAV4, with 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Accessing the third row was challenging due to the second-row seats. The GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors. The third row eliminated most cargo space when in use, making the GX more suitable as a two-row SUV.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, providing seamless smartphone integration. All trims included SiriusXM Radio with a 3-month trial. The RAV4 Hybrid's infotainment system was user-friendly, with USB-A ports for connectivity. The Predictive Efficient Drive system optimized battery usage, enhancing hybrid efficiency. Drivers could choose between Eco, Sport, and Trail modes to tailor the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked modern tech features, with no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, the GX offered analog controls for ease of use, with shortcut buttons for screen menus. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, providing a premium audio experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests. Optional safety features included blind spot monitoring and parking assist. The RAV4 Hybrid had two safety recalls related to engine coolant and suspension issues.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS.