2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 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 models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the center stack and gauge cluster felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic profile but in a sportier, more compact package. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, featuring flush door handles and a distinctive roof slope. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The interior design was minimalist yet luxurious, with three sharp screens providing a modern touch. However, the Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating.

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 comfortable. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The NX featured three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a vehicle that handled and steered better than previous Land Rovers. 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 four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two power outputs: 340 hp and 354 lb-ft, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain provided the high performance expected from a luxury SUV while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for adults in both the front and rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding option. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX came with a power liftgate and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its exterior design. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was compromised by thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was also tight, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Lexus system was not user-friendly, relying on a touchpad for navigation. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote control of various vehicle functions.

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 included a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road information. The Velar came standard with LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in European NCAP 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.