2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the boxy, rugged design that many enthusiasts had missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights evoked a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a modern touch. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, reminiscent of a Burberry trench coat. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its rugged charm. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. The HSE model, priced at $75,000, lacked the luxury expected at that price point, feeling more like a commercial vehicle than a high-end SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure on the market. The basic body shell had remained largely unchanged for a decade, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's exterior was tough and aggressive, appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards. The wood trim felt like plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the interior felt dated. The GX's upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle made for an uncomfortable driving position. The third row was cramped and difficult to access, making it best suited for children.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with its performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exemplary, aided by Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and rocky trails with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, best suited for the two-door 90 model. The Defender's on-road performance was also impressive, with a quiet and plush ride, although it required more effort to handle due to its weight and size.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids like hill-descent control and Crawl Control. The GX's ground clearance and approach, departure, and break-over angles were respectable, but it fell short compared to the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability. Its interior was designed for tough conditions, with rubber floors and water-resistant materials. The two-door 90 model could seat six with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered an optional third row for seven seats. The Defender's cargo space was generous, with up to 79 cubic feet in the 110 model. The ladder and roof carrier added to its practicality, and it could tow up to 8,200 pounds. The Defender's design and features made it a versatile and capable vehicle for both off-road adventures and daily use.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward driving position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided good outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The GX's interior was best suited for occasional use of the third row and limited cargo needs.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The interface was more user-friendly, although some issues remained, such as small zoom icons on the map. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground underneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and 360-degree cameras. Higher trims offered additional luxuries like a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was light on tech features, reflecting its decade-old design. While it offered Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric interfaces. The GX's tech features were basic, but they were easy to use and functional.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras as standard. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.