2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were the focus, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport variant boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with a familiar gauge cluster and a somewhat outdated center stack that included a rare CD player. Despite its quirks, the NX maintained a functional and comfortable cabin, though it lacked open small-item storage space.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling lines. The HSE Westminster special edition, though not the most opulent, still impressed with its Byron Blue exterior and silver 21-inch wheels. Inside, the Range Rover offered a high-contrast Ivory-color interior with a mid-century modern vibe. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models, it was manageable with some patience. The Range Rover's cabin was a blend of luxury and functionality, though the second-row seating left much to be desired in terms of comfort and support.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet and smooth. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which influenced throttle response and steering assist.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance, provided smooth and rapid acceleration. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension delivered a classic wafting ride, though the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in some side-to-side wallow. Fuel economy was estimated at 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front-seat occupants and decent legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, along with power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated center-console bin. Cargo capacity was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. This package also included features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was not user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

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, was manageable with practice. The Range Rover also offered a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed keyless access, and the iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating. 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 Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control 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. Overall, the safety features were effective, but the Driver Assist Pack's contents were not assessed.