2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, despite being in its second generation since 2005, maintained a modern appeal with its 2018 refresh that carried over into 2021. This refresh introduced the dual-screen center console, a hallmark of Land Rover interiors, and added a plug-in hybrid variant along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of trims from the base SE to the high-performance SVR Carbon Edition, each adding layers of luxury and performance features. The SE trim came with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a premium sound system, while higher trims like the Autobiography and SVR boasted features like a supercharged V8 engine, 22-way power-adjustable seats, and carbon fiber accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition presented a bold aesthetic with its Black Onyx color and minimal chrome, creating a striking presence. Despite its modern exterior, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation model. However, the interior quality was impeccable, with a focus on comfort and refinement. The GX offered trims like Standard, Premium, and Luxury, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. It featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a suite of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. The GX's cabin was quiet, with the V8 engine providing a satisfying note, though the overall design and technology felt somewhat behind the times.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the base P360 mild-hybrid system, which combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model upgraded to the P400 powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition provided options for a plug-in hybrid or diesel powertrain, with the P400e plug-in hybrid generating 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims produced 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition models boasted 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds, except for the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, the GX offered a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Its Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced off-road capability and on-road stability. However, the GX's fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. Despite its age, the GX remained capable off-road, though its steering and braking left room for improvement. The Off-Road Package, available with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for enhanced off-road performance.

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 reduced cargo space to 10.8 cubic feet. The first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a tall driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear felt outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The GX's third-row seat was challenging to access and cramped for adults, impacting cargo space. With the third row in use, cargo capacity was 11.6 cubic feet, expanding to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was defined by its dual-screen center console, with the lower screen managing climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen handling infotainment. While the system had a learning curve, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's dials allowed for multifunctional control, though the overall interface was not the most intuitive.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available at an extra cost. Other options included a surround-view camera and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which might appeal to those preferring fewer driving aids.