2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005 and entered its second generation in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018. This update, which carried over into 2021, introduced a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. The 2020 model year saw the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with a range of luxurious features.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, retained much of its decade-old design, with only minor updates over the years. The GX received Lexus' spindle grille in 2014, which was updated in 2020 along with new triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't see any major styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's aggressive and distinctive look appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior felt outdated, with wood trim that resembled plastic and an overall lack of modern luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, 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 powerful P400 version, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition had an even more potent version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept things simple with 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 felt dated, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds and a heavy 5,130-pound curb weight that impacted acceleration and braking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality compared to modern unibody SUVs. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road driver aids. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

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 to seven, but with only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position made driving feel like operating a bus. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility and easy-to-use analog controls. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, but accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best reserved for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and virtually no space with the third row in use.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen handled infotainment. Although the system had a learning curve and some bugs in earlier models, it featured useful dials for various controls and a real volume button. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there were better infotainment systems on the market.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, with a seven-segment display for time and temperature. However, the GX's analog controls were easy to use, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces in other luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features such as 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 parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, featuring 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 lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and non-luxury Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.