2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I from 1948. The Defender name was first used in 1990, and the model retained its distinctive look and character through minor changes until 2016. The new Defender aimed to echo the vibe of previous generations while modernizing the SUV. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with a diamond-plate pattern. The interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, had a design that reflected its long time on the market. The basic body shell remained unchanged for a decade, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights added over the years. The GX's exterior styling was coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards. The wood trim felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the overall feel was not up to par with contemporary luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was a throwback to an earlier generation of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power for acceleration, but the vehicle's 5,130 pounds made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform, similar to the Range Rover and Discovery models, which provided weight reduction and strength. The Defender's four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension enhanced both on-road and off-road performance. The interior offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an available third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with 34-34.6 cubic feet behind the second row in the 110 model and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90 model. The 110 model had a maximum cargo capacity of 78.8 cubic feet.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's interior ergonomics showed its age. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle made driving feel like operating a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and the third row was best suited for children. The GX had more first-row legroom on paper, but the Discovery offered more second-row legroom and nearly the same headroom. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was light on tech features. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the system offered limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a user-friendly interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including front airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 also lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX missed out on some safety features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.