2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Lexus NX

For 2021, Lexus offered three versions of the NX: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines and a sculpted exterior that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport added a sportier appearance with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, as expected from Lexus. The gauge cluster included a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack also showed its age, featuring an old-fashioned CD player and elevated climate-control buttons. Despite its quirks, the NX's interior was functional, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The original Land Rover Series I emerged in 1948, inspired by the Willys Jeep. The Defender name was first used in 1990, and Land Rover continued building the original Defender with minor changes until January 2016. The new Defender aimed to echo the vibe of previous generations while bringing the SUV into the modern era. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with composite cladding. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and the SUV had short overhangs front and rear, making it look capable of tackling any obstacle.

Inside, the Defender's theme of exposed structure was prominent. The dash appeared to be held between two horizontal beams, with exposed Allen-head bolts securing the door panels. The controls and steering wheel were beefy, and the leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious. A digital instrument panel and a center touchscreen interface were securely mounted between the dash beams. The interior felt authentic, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed, with real metal and leather surfaces adding to the premium feel.

The 2021 Lexus NX was not designed to be sporty but was capable. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The turbo engine moved the NX from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, which was average for the segment. The powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, but the ride was generally quiet. The NX F Sport featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on every trim level. The AWD system allowed up to 50 percent of the car's available torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system could make up to 650 instantaneous adjustments, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base powertrain was a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The next option was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup, producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All Defender models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender had a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum ascent/descent gradient of 45 degrees, with 8.5 inches minimum/11.5 inches maximum ground clearance.

On the road, the Defender was quick for its weight, with the 2.0-liter model going from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. The Defender had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The 3.0-liter mild-hybrid powertrain impressed with its driving character, offering a rock-solid and comfortable ride on highways and ease of maneuverability in city driving. The Defender's off-road capabilities were evident, though the test vehicle did not encounter any challenging off-road scenarios.

The upscale interior of the Lexus NX was comfortable, with front seats providing ample room for adults and second-row seats offering good legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the NX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Engine noise could pass into the cabin, but road and wind noise were minimal. The NX had limited cargo space, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The new Defender rode on a unibody platform, making extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. It featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats for three-across seating and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110. The Defender 110 had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door model had 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an eight-speaker setup, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on the top-tier NX.

The Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Defender offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view using the 3D surround-camera system. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with upgrades to 10 or 14 speakers plus a subwoofer. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were available.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional extras included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags with a passenger seat occupant monitor, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, cruise control speed limiter, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing during its development.