2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's luxurious yet rugged heritage. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 capabilities, a combination that defined Land Rover's identity. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10-inch screens. Optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxury, such as massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport trims, carried forward Lexus's signature design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior. The F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes. The interior was well-crafted, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack's design appeared dated compared to competitors. The F Sport's G-Force meter, inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, added a touch of performance flair, though it was more of a novelty. The NX's interior was comfortable, with good fit and finish, but lacked the modernity of some rivals.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim had a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid option combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with electric motors, offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 19-mile electric range. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim featured a high-performance 5.0-liter V8, producing 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System offering various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, typical for its class. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance engine noise through the speakers. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The NX's AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The NX offered three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and steering assist. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided seating for five, with the option of second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four for enhanced comfort. The SWB model offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 34.5 cubic feet with them up. The LWB version increased total cargo space to 77.5 cubic feet. Despite its luxury, the Range Rover's cargo capacity was less than some competitors. The vehicle featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, facilitating easier loading and tailgating. The front row had a convenient center-console compartment, and both front and rear doors offered ample storage.

The 2021 Lexus NX boasted a stylish and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample space for adults and the second row accommodating two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were well-muted, maintaining the quiet cabin typical of Lexus vehicles.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate, seat settings, and Terrain Response modes. Integrated dials on the lower screen changed functions based on the menu, offering a unique but sometimes challenging user experience. The system had a learning curve and occasional lag issues, but a volume knob provided tactile control. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system was centered around an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch version available in the Navigation package. This package included features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a voice-activated concierge service. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly, with functions buried in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system came with eight speakers, upgradeable to a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Range Rover offered a system to alert rear-seat passengers when it was safe to exit the vehicle. While it had a solid list of standard safety features, some competitors offered more as standard.

The 2021 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist and a surround-view camera system as options. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification, and the NX came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.