2022 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 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 gauge cluster and center stack felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. Premium materials, including leather and rich wood trim, were used throughout, contributing to a luxurious feel. The Range Rover's solid build quality was evident, with no creaks even on rough roads, and it offered a more refined interior than many of its luxury SUV competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the more advanced transmissions found in some rivals. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, and while the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. 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.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and an optional P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its size. The Range Rover handled well for a large SUV, with body roll managed effectively, and it was easy to maneuver thanks to rear-wheel steering. It also excelled off-road, with the Terrain Response system optimizing traction. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin was exceptionally quiet.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable interior with ample room for front passengers 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 only 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, as were power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Range Rover provided generous space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered ample space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. An optional third row was available, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. A split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment aided in loading cargo.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package, which included predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a WiFi hotspot.

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 no recalls reported. Lexus offered a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While no crash test results were available, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing. Some advanced features found in competitors were not included, but may be added in future models.