2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm with its updated hourglass grille design. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX carried forward its decade-old styling with minor tweaks. The grille, a signature of the Lexus lineup, suited the GX better than its larger sibling, the LX. The vehicle's design, though dated, was a testament to its capability, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner, known for its off-road prowess. Inside, the GX's cabin remained unchanged from the early 2010s, featuring a chunky center console and large buttons, which were practical for rugged use.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a more modern, albeit familiar, design. Positioned between the UX and RX, the NX featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's styling had not evolved significantly over the years. The interior, once radical, now seemed dated, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The F Sport Black Line edition added unique touches like aluminum pedals and blue contrast stitching, but overall, the material quality felt more mainstream than luxurious.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a robust driving experience. The GX's steering, though initially light, proved direct and responsive on the road. Equipped with a self-leveling air suspension, the GX offered a smooth ride and impressive off-road capability, with features like adjustable suspension height and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius, making it surprisingly city-friendly. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but they made little difference in performance. The hybrid system's clunky transitions between electric and gasoline power detracted from the driving experience.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats on higher trims. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, the overall cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats, however, were comfortable and supportive. The NX's sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered visibility, but large mirrors helped compensate. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX offered a power-folding second row and power liftgate, but these were not standard.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated but user-friendly, featuring a true touchscreen with large buttons for easy operation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was underwhelming, making an upgrade to the Mark Levinson system desirable.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera, with excellent visibility thanks to large windows and mirrors.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.