2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover lineup, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL models. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front end introduced in 2020. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for larger wheels and additional exterior upgrades. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with standard and available luxury features, though the center console design was considered dated.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar was not the fastest in its class. The Dynamic Edition featured enhanced brakes, retuned suspension, and an active exhaust system, but it still felt large and less agile on tight roads. Other engine options included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, both with standard four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments for improved handling, though it exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain, with a top speed limited to 124 mph.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts, resulting in a unique size that felt unwieldy on the road. Interior space was not as generous as some competitors, with limited headroom due to its avant-garde styling. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar offered a towing capacity of up to 5,511 pounds, depending on the engine.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row models. The three-row RX offered less cargo space, with a power liftgate standard and a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone compatibility. The system offered high-quality graphics but was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The Remote Touch controller was designed to minimize touchscreen use but was not as refined as competitors' systems. The RX lacked wireless smartphone integration, which may be a drawback for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring available. The Velar's safety tech was less sophisticated than some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and four out of five stars from NHTSA for crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite, which offered a range of driver-assist technologies. While comprehensive, the RX's safety tech was not as advanced as some newer models.