2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, aiming to bridge the gap between Chevrolet and Cadillac. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared powertrains and assembly origins with its siblings. The Denali trim, with its Satin Steel Metallic paint and Technology Package, showcased the Acadia's upscale aspirations. The design changes were most evident at the front, featuring squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, updates were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim in the Denali model. Despite these touches, the cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, lacking distinct premium elements beyond leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, nestled between the UX and RX models, maintained its sharp-edged, streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's design had become familiar over the years. Sharing a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, the NX lagged behind in engineering advancements. The F Sport Black Line edition featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and striking Grecian Water paint. Inside, the design felt dated, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The F Sport package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but overall, the material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT came with a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 and Denali trims boasted a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim included a dual-clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. The V6 engine provided smooth power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, though its driving character was unremarkable. Fuel economy for the Denali AWD was rated at 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive was included, but the hybrid's performance was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The NX 300h focused on fuel efficiency rather than excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The F Sport package improved handling with sport-tuned suspension, maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the NX lacked the tightness of newer models. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further dulling acceleration.

The 2020 GMC Acadia accommodated five to seven passengers, with the Denali trim offering six-passenger seating via second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, ideal for long trips. Heated second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, and rear passengers had access to air vents and USB ports. The third-row seat was roomier than expected, though cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 41.7 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79 cubic feet available.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats offered excellent support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heating and ventilation. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. The dashboard design was sporty, with controls easily accessible. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Power-folding rear seats and a power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 GMC Acadia featured a user-friendly infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered high resolution and improved voice recognition. Additional tech included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The rear camera mirror provided a wide-angle view, enhancing visibility when the cargo area was full.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a cumbersome Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and outdated graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The base audio system lacked balance, highlighting the need for an upgrade.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings were standard, but advanced features like forward collision warning required higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Acadia five stars in most crash tests, with a four-star rollover rating. The IIHS provided high marks but lacked complete data.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.