2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing design lineage. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX managed to incorporate Lexus' signature spindle grille, which was updated in 2020 with a textured insert and new triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level came standard with silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were also available. The GX's exterior was distinctive and appealing to SUV enthusiasts, but its interior lagged behind modern luxury standards. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt more like molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxury feel. However, standard leather upholstery and semi-aniline leather on the Luxury trim level added a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's sleek, sporty package was a nod to the larger Range Rover's iconic profile, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's exterior was both blocky and streamlined, with flush door handles and bronze accents on the R-Dynamic trim. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The Velar's three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and sophisticated functionality. Despite being a base trim, the Velar's fit and finish were exemplary, and the interior was a testament to Land Rover's commitment to luxury.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring 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, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and Crawl Control, enhancing its off-road prowess. The GX boasted a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, but its ground clearance and approach angles were outmatched by competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its off-road capability was limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, provided up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, delivering the high performance expected by luxury buyers. The Velar's mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, but a V8 option was no longer available.

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 contributed to a bus-like driving feel. However, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass. The center-console storage was limited, and the third row was best reserved for children due to limited space and accessibility. The GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, but the third row eliminated most cargo space when in use. The GX was best considered a two-row SUV with occasional third-row use.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for aesthetics, but its interior was well-appointed with Land Rover's Pivi Pro infotainment system. However, the Velar's lack of a discrete parking brake control was a design flaw, with the P button serving dual functions for parking and the brake. The Velar's infotainment system was user-friendly, with customizable layouts and advanced features like voice activation and a 360-degree camera system.

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 infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the interface was primitive for a luxury vehicle. However, the GX offered analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and advanced navigation capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable layouts, but the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from U.S. agencies but included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the GX missed out on some safety features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.