2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which began with the original Land Rover Series I in 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 echoed the vibe of previous generations while incorporating modern elements like half-round LED headlights and a structural-looking grille. The interior featured exposed structure themes, with a dash held between horizontal beams and beefy controls, blending ruggedness with luxury.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, available in Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, or Nori Green Pearl, aimed to appeal to those who love black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, giving it a sleek, modern look. However, the GX’s design remained largely unchanged from its first-generation model, making it look dated. Inside, the cabin featured high-quality materials and a quiet environment, with comfortable seats and a tall seating position. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup producing 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 boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-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 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX’s 0-60 mph time was 7.8 seconds, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX’s fuel economy was 16 mpg in combined driving, and it returned 16.8 mpg during testing. The standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while improving on-road stability. The GX’s ride and handling were refined, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and a 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 and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The 110 model had a maximum cargo capacity of 78.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX’s tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various situations. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The second-row seats were comfortable, but accessing the third-row seat was challenging, and the space was cramped. The GX’s cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the inconvenience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, aided off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and a ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, 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 robustness.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 also lacked crash-test ratings. It came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.