2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the prominent spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior ambiance lagged behind its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover presented a more evolutionary design, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large sheet metal surfaces. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, enhancing its modern appeal. Inside, the Range Rover offered a simplified yet familiar cabin with a larger touchscreen and premium materials throughout. The interior exuded luxury, with high-quality leather and rich wood trim, providing a refined experience that surpassed many of its rivals.

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 evident at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids for challenging terrains.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrain options: a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 powertrain provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size. The standard rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance without compromising ride quality.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The upright dashboard and high center console contributed to a bus-like driving feel, though outward visibility was excellent. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and storage options were plentiful. The second row offered generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was more accommodating, with up to 93 cubic feet available with the third row folded, and the split tailgate facilitated loading.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, analog controls were a welcome feature, providing a straightforward interface. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, but overall, the tech offerings were limited for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complementing the wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhancing the Range Rover's modern appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including 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. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the GX.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The cameras were particularly useful for off-roading, providing a clear view of the terrain. While the Range Rover's safety features were adequate, some rivals offered additional advanced options. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the Range Rover.