2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

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 boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlamps. The grille was redesigned to align with Lexus cars, and a new paint option, Moonbeam Beige Metallic, was introduced. The rear featured a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, complemented by an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with its well-appointed cabin. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. The interior offered various colour and material combinations, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard. Optional wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim added a touch of elegance. The F Sport appearance packages introduced unique features like a distinctive steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. The RX's interior exuded luxury without being overly ornate, though the centre stack's design was beginning to show its age.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner retained its timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs, giving it a utilitarian attitude reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee. The flared wheel wells accommodated off-road tires, and the short overhangs allowed the 4Runner to tackle steep terrains. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with grille accents varying by package. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim, with five packages available, including the TRD Off-Road, Venture, TRD Pro, Limited, and Nightshade special edition.

Our test model, the Limited package, catered to those prioritizing comfort over capability. Leather upholstery covered all seats, with cloth as standard on lower trims. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard across all packages. Despite the chrome and leather, the 4Runner Limited's utilitarian DNA was evident, with abundant plastic and a seating position designed for off-road adventures rather than highway cruising.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It delivered 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, with the RX 350 L models slightly reduced to 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. The RX 450h L shared the same setup, with a 165-horsepower electric motor and a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The RX's hybrid models featured an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and multiple electric motors for enhanced performance.

The RX was not a performance-oriented vehicle, taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, but it rarely left drivers wanting more power. Fuel efficiency was a strong suit, with the RX 350 achieving 10.8 L/100 km combined, while the RX 450h used 7.9 L/100 km combined. The RX F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. Drivers could choose from various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX delivered a smooth and connected driving experience, with excellent insulation and structure for a quiet cabin.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4-litre V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for durability and off-road capability rather than fuel efficiency, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Fuel consumption was estimated at 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 L/100 km on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select.

On-road, the 4Runner exhibited significant body roll and imprecise steering, offering a nostalgic driving experience. The Limited model's full-time four-wheel drive system was better suited for maintaining forward progress, while the standard part-time system handled off-road challenges with ease. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were its standout feature, with advanced systems enhancing its performance in challenging terrains.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it offered practicality and comfort. The two-row RX model comfortably accommodated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could impede the driver's view of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than its rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350 L and 450h L also had less cargo space compared to competitors, but a hands-free liftgate was available on certain models.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner prioritized outward visibility, essential for off-roading. Despite its size, the 4Runner offered a tidy turning radius of 5.6 metres, tighter than the Highlander and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with easy-to-use physical buttons around the 8-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel housed various controls, though they were not illuminated, making them challenging to use in the dark. The 4Runner's tall front seat position provided a commanding view, with power-retractable running boards aiding entry and exit.

The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats in non-TRD and non-Venture trims, though these seats were best for short and occasional use. Unlike spacious third-row benches in competitors, the 4Runner's jump seats were narrow and thin, lacking comfort. The design allowed the seatback to fold toward the floor, with the bottom cushions sliding backward and under the seatback.

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 challenging to navigate, with limited customization options. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Bluetooth, provided solutions. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and various app compatibilities for integrated functionality. The physical control of the infotainment system improved with a touchscreen, and the centre console touchpad became more manageable. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner received a technology update with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota's proprietary system was not difficult to understand, but the onboard navigation system was challenging to manage. The 4Runner also included Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port in lower trims, and subscription services like Sirius XM satellite radio. Upgraded packages offered features like a JBL stereo and navigation system. While the 4Runner's technology lagged behind competitors, its advanced off-road features were its highlight.

The 2020 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 enhancements included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also offered 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 2020 Toyota 4Runner benefited from Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The 4Runner featured eight standard airbags, enhancing its safety. The NHTSA awarded the 4Runner four out of five stars overall, with three stars in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The 4Runner's adaptive cruise control worked well, but its high centre of gravity and imprecise steering highlighted the need for a more active lane-keeping assist system.