2019 Acura RDX vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2019 Acura RDX showcased a bold new exterior design, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the Acura MDX. The front end featured angular headlights flanking a broad, assertive grille, a significant improvement from the previous "shield" or "beak" grille. The RDX's more upright layout and rear end design aimed to increase cabin space, presenting a modern and sharp aesthetic. The A-Spec trim added dark accents reminiscent of the Porsche Macan, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the RDX boasted soft-touch surfaces, unique stitching, and suede inserts, with actual brushed aluminum brightwork that, while occasionally blinding, highlighted the redesigned center console and True Touchpad infotainment system. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof, among others.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille seen across the Lexus lineup, which suited it better than some other models. The GX's cabin, largely unchanged from a decade ago, featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, a hallmark of early 2010s Lexus design. The GX's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, outweighed the need for innovation, making it a reliable choice for those valuing off-road prowess over modern aesthetics. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems.

The 2019 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could divert up to 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels, with 100 percent of that torque capable of being sent to either rear wheel independently. This setup provided excellent handling in various conditions, from ice and snow to dry roads. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to switch between Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting throttle response, shift mapping, steering feel, and traction control. Fuel economy for the RDX was respectable, with the front-wheel drive model returning 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version achieved 21/27/23 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460, true to its name, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the V8 provided a powerful and smooth driving experience. The GX's steering, initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, returning 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2019 Acura RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, increasing by 3 cubic feet from the previous model. With the 60/40 split-fold rear seats down, cargo capacity was 58.9 cubic feet. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom in both the front and second rows. The floating center stack design provided additional storage space, and the center console featured a cupholder tray with a brushed metal cover. All four doors had room for multiple water bottles, and the rear seat included a center armrest with cupholders.

The 2020 Lexus GX, available with second-row captain's chairs on Premium and Luxury trims, offered a power-folding third row on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a convenient feature.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with the new True Touchpad infotainment system, replacing the previous two-screen setup. The high-definition screen was visually appealing, but the touchpad interface had a steep learning curve. Simple tasks like changing the radio station required multiple steps, and saving presets was cumbersome. While Apple CarPlay integration was seamless, navigating within CarPlay was less intuitive. The system's complexity contrasted with the simplicity of traditional dials and buttons found in other vehicles.

The 2020 Lexus GX featured an older generation of the Lexus Enform infotainment system, which, despite its age, had its advantages. The true touchscreen interface, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, was straightforward and user-friendly. However, the system lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a significant drawback for some. Despite this, many drivers appreciated the simplicity and ease of use compared to more modern, complex systems.

The 2019 Acura RDX came standard with a reversing camera, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, and a full array of front and side impact airbags. The AcuraWatch suite included forward-collision warning, forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, road-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance trim included a head-up warning system.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard, and our test model featured a surround-view camera. The GX's excellent visibility, thanks to large windows and mirrors, further enhanced safety.