2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, setting it apart from its predecessors and competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. The Trail trim, introduced the previous year, enhanced its off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model further elevated its off-road prowess with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized TRD suspension setup. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the interior boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with the otherwise quality construction and soft-touch materials.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model did not introduce any new styling changes, but it did offer standard silver 18-inch wheels and optional 19-inch wheels with the Executive package. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a massive grille and a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The standard semi-aniline leather provided some comfort, but the overall interior experience felt dated.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, but it was not available with the TRD Off-Road package. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain delivered satisfactory performance, especially in Sport mode, although a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and downhill assist control, making it well-suited for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 excelled in urban environments, with a smooth ride and useful features like a 360-degree camera system and JBL premium sound system. However, its fuel efficiency fell short of official estimates, averaging 10.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The braking and handling were also reminiscent of older SUVs, with low grip and significant body roll. Despite its traditional body-on-frame construction, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select with various drive modes. It offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles. The GX's towing capacity was 2,948 kilograms, with trailer-sway control included.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating hip points and a sporty driving position in the 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided adequate thigh support. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. The test vehicle also included roof rails and a roof rack for added utility.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX featured three rows of seating for seven, with power-folding third-row seats. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 boasted user-friendly technology, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. The 8-inch system, standard in the Trail trim, suffered from glare but was otherwise easy to use, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls, with available upgrades like embedded navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered standard Bluetooth and two USB ports for the first two rows, but none for the third row. The standard 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided quality sound, but the infotainment system's graphics appeared outdated, resembling 1990s technology. The system offered limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature using a seven-segment format. However, the GX featured analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface compared to the screen-centric approaches of other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard. The systems operated smoothly and accurately, encouraging drivers to keep them engaged. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, contingent on models equipped with full LED, curve adaptive headlights.

The 2021 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were also standard. However, the GX missed out on some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.