2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Once a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, offering a wide range of powertrains and personalization options. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its traditional SUV styling, with a body shell that had seen only minor updates over the years. The GX featured Lexus' spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not match modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an overall lack of refinement. Despite this, the GX offered standard leather upholstery and a distinctive design that appealed to SUV enthusiasts.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the SUV's power and near-total cabin silence made it easy to drive at high speeds. However, the steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity led to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was powered by 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 reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Its 5,130-pound weight affected acceleration and required careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. It offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small center-console bin and minimal luggage volume. The clamshell-style tailgate revealed only 25 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. Despite this, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, aided by its boxy profile. Storage space was limited, with small bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, offered numerous features and functions. The system required setup to avoid distractions while driving, and the touchscreens posed a significant distraction. The Range Rover included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, the GX offered analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.