2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to stand out in the compact SUV segment. Known for its durability, the RAV4's new TRD Off-Road trim elevated its off-roading capabilities with features like matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized TRD suspension. The exterior, particularly in the Lunar Rock gray paint with a white roof, was both striking and practical, hiding dirt well. Inside, the TRD Off-Road trim offered a rugged yet comfortable environment with TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials, though some plastics appeared less premium.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX maintained its traditional SUV appearance, with a design largely unchanged over the years. The GX featured Lexus' signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a distinctive and aggressive look. However, the interior felt dated, with wood trim that resembled plastic and a lack of modern luxury SUV standards. Despite this, the GX offered standard leather upholstery and a spacious cabin, though the ergonomics and limited legroom detracted from the overall experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower, but the TRD Off-Road trim was only available with the standard engine. The RAV4's 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model excelled with its torque-vectoring AWD system, multiple terrain settings, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it adept at handling various driving conditions. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 managed urban environments effectively, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations at 23.4 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided strong initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight impacted its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride compared to modern unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled off-road with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids, offering a robust off-road experience. Its towing capacity of 6,500 pounds further highlighted its capability.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a comfortable and practical interior, with easy ingress and egress due to well-positioned seating. The driver's seat was 8-way adjustable, providing a sporty driving position, while the rear seats offered ample legroom for adults and children. The RAV4's SofTex upholstery was complemented by optional heated and ventilated front seats. Interior storage was generous, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility and analog controls for ease of use. The GX came standard with three rows, though the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, making it less practical for carrying large loads.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system included SiriusXM satellite radio and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with a free trial period. The TRD Off-Road trim's infotainment impressed with its voice-recognition technology and optional Technology Package, which added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Lexus GX lagged in technology, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system's graphics appeared outdated, and the interface was basic. However, the GX included analog controls for ease of use, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available. The lack of modern tech features was a notable drawback for a luxury SUV in 2021.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of advanced safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, contingent on having full LED, curve adaptive headlights. Toyota also provided a complimentary 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for crash safety.