2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to the brand's legacy of combining luxury with rugged capability. Originating from the Series I off-roader, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a hallmark that defined the brand. By 2013, the current-generation Range Rover had introduced 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, while higher trims offered additional luxuries like massaging seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. Available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, and RX Hybrid, the RX offered a blend of style and functionality. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior boasted NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, with available upgrades like semi-aniline leather upholstery and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured 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. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, the performance variant, boasted a 5.0-liter V8 tuned to 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, providing a blend of power and off-road capability.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp and featuring an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX offered a comfortable ride with tuning adjustments to its suspension and handling systems, while the F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX achieved 20-27 mpg in the city and highway, with the hybrid models offering improved fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The SWB version provided 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model offered 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing its practicality. The interior included a center-console compartment and decently sized cargo compartments in the doors.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided seating for five in the RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, while the RXL and RXL Hybrid offered seating for six or seven. The RX had 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system with two touchscreens, managing navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system included integrated dials for various functions, though it had a learning curve and occasional lag issues. A fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display were also available.

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 touchscreen, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system, and a Remote Touch controller. While the system was functional, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the touchpad controller took up valuable console space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover had a solid list of safety features, some were optional rather than standard.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. While the RX lacked some cutting-edge tech, it provided a comprehensive safety package.