2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, 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 pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system lagged behind newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it was a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line test car featured a bold Grecian Water paint and dark-finish wheels, adding to its sporty appearance. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design felt familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The interior materials leaned more towards mainstream quality, despite some appealing design elements.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, 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. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. The EPA rated it at 20 mpg combined, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. It came with standard all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. The NX Hybrid offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, though they made little difference in performance.

The Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, but the second-row seating lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The SUV's luxurious front seats contrasted with the less comfortable rear seats, which offered features like quad-zone climate control and heated seating.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. The front seats, however, provided excellent support with 10-way power adjustment. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The sloping roofline and thick pillars affected rear visibility, but the dashboard controls were functional and easy to reach.

The Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be managed with practice. The SUV included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, but higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance, with optional packages for more advanced aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

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. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.