2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX's second generation continued with minor design tweaks, including the adoption of Lexus's hourglass grille. While this design was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX well, giving it a distinctive yet not overwhelming appearance. The vehicle's interior, however, showed its age with a decade-old design featuring a chunky center console and large buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s styling. Despite this, the GX's straightforward and functional interior was appreciated by those who preferred simplicity, especially in a rugged SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, having evolved from its utilitarian roots to a high-end status symbol. With a starting price of $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, allowing it to reach prices upwards of $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and a luxurious interior with high-quality materials. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean lines. Inside, the cabin was luxurious, though the second-row seating comfort was lacking, and storage space was limited.

The 2020 Lexus GX 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. 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 steering was light yet direct, and its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride, making it capable both on and off-road. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered multiple powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road prowess. The SUV provided a commanding driving position and a smooth, quiet ride, though its steering was slow and the adaptive air suspension struggled with the vehicle's weight. The Range Rover's fuel economy was slightly better, with an average of 18.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in higher trims, though 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 side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit, though shorter passengers still found it challenging. The front seats were comfortable and luxurious, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Cargo space was limited, with a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet, and the clamshell-style tailgate offered only 25 cubic feet with the seats up. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its simplicity was appreciated by some. The system featured a true touchscreen with large buttons for easy operation, contrasting with more complex modern interfaces.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup and practice to use effectively. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also featured an Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available, and the vehicle's excellent visibility added to its safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with additional driver aids available in optional packages. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.