2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. Land Rover cleverly integrated the charging port into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design without any unnecessary styling changes. This approach was appreciated, as it kept the vehicle's aesthetic appeal intact, despite the powertrain adding $4,750 to the price. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured striking Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its already impressive looks. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus GX, though updated with a new hourglass grille and headlights, retained much of its decade-old design. The GX's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to remain relevant despite its age. The interior, with its large, chunky center console and big buttons, harkened back to early 2010s Lexus styling. While this might seem outdated, it worked well for the GX's rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery to advanced tech options.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite Land Rover's claim of a 31-mile all-electric range, the test vehicle struggled to stay in EV mode, often switching to the gas engine. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg over a 28.4-mile trip in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, which was an improvement over previous models but still fell short of expectations. The Range Rover Sport PHEV offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. However, the regenerative brakes were grabby, making smooth stops difficult. Off-road capability remained strong, with multiple traction settings and the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 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 standard 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light yet responsive steering and self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride. The GX excelled off-road, with various 4WD modes and features like Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, fuel economy was a weak point, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot area behind the back seat. The raised cargo floor made it easy for items to fall out when opening the tailgate. Despite this, the SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The test vehicle's 4-zone automatic climate control and panoramic glass roof added to the interior's appeal, though practical storage was limited.

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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and sometimes frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system occasionally behaved unexpectedly, and the lack of haptic feedback from the touchscreen didn't help. While the technology was necessary to manage the vehicle's complexity, it could be bewildering for some drivers.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age but had its perks. The true touchscreen, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, was simpler to use than modern Lexus systems. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Despite this, the straightforward layout was appreciated by those who preferred simplicity.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including a new steering-assist system. However, the steering-assist and lane-keeping assist systems could be overly aggressive, leading to a less comfortable driving experience. The SUV's heavy weight and adaptive air suspension helped limit excessive body motions, but head-toss was still an issue on uneven pavement. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the vehicle's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security.

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 and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high driving position and large windows, added to its safety credentials.