2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued with some new design tweaks. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design that had become a staple in the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it was more palatable on the GX compared to the larger LX. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained its decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasizing rugged capability over modern innovation.

Inside, the GX's age was even more apparent. The cabin design remained largely unchanged from a decade ago, featuring a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. This old-school layout, while outdated for a luxury SUV, worked for the GX's rugged character. Lexus offered the GX in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each with a long list of standard features. The base 460 trim was well-equipped, making it a sensible choice for buyers looking for value without unnecessary add-ons.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, launched in 2005 and still in its second generation, received an interior and exterior refresh for the 2018 model year, which carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console that had become a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. The 2021 model also offered a plug-in hybrid variant and the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport came in multiple trims: SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with a comprehensive list of standard features.

The base SE trim included leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker Meridian sound system, and the dual-screen infotainment system. Higher trims like the HSE Silver added quad-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Meridian sound system. The HSE Dynamic featured a supercharged V8 engine, while the Autobiography trim offered high-end luxury with 22-way power-adjustable front seats and power soft-close doors. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition focused on performance, with a more powerful V8 engine and sport-oriented features.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a distinctive swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tackle deep snow, mud, sand, and mild off-road trails without breaking a sweat. The GX also featured a panel of toggle switches for adjusting 4WD modes, suspension height, and Downhill Assist Control. With a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds and a tight turning radius of 19 feet, the GX was versatile enough for both city driving and off-road adventures. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 powertrain, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition was available with plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 making 254 hp and 443 lb-ft.

Higher trims like the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography featured a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition received an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Range Rover Sport's height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system allowed it to handle various terrains with ease. It could tow up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

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

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity from five to seven, but with only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, with the optional third row being tight and best suited for children.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simpler layout was easier to use compared to the more complex systems in newer Lexus models.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by the dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate and vehicle settings, while the upper screen handled infotainment. Although not always intuitive and prone to bugs in earlier models, the system's dual dials offered versatile control. The upper screen featured reasonably sized icons for easy navigation between menus and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system had a learning curve and was not as user-friendly as some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Other available features included a surround-view camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and park assist.