2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, introduced in 2005, remained in its second generation by 2021. The model received a significant refresh in 2018, which continued into 2021, featuring a dual-screen center console that became a hallmark of Land Rover interiors. A plug-in hybrid variant was introduced in 2020, along with 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 distinct features ranging from leather upholstery and climate control to powerful V8 engines and luxury enhancements.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, showcased a sharp, streamlined design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Sharing a platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, the NX Hybrid was a step behind in engineering compared to its Toyota counterpart. The F Sport Black Line model featured a distinctive mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a mix of materials that leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrains. 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 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. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel options, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 hp, while the SVR models pushed it to 575 hp. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The Black Line package added sport-tuned suspension, enhancing handling without sacrificing comfort. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with them in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows offered ample space and luxury, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Front-seat legroom was generous, and the Black Line-specific seats offered excellent support. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. The NX Hybrid offered 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, less than its gasoline counterpart. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate and vehicle settings and the upper screen for infotainment. While not always intuitive, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The setup required a learning curve, but the presence of physical controls for key functions was a plus.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a challenging Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Despite compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and outdated graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. Additional features included a surround-view camera and head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, though a 360-degree camera system was absent.