2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's long-standing tradition of crafting elegant SUVs. The Velar's sleek, sporty silhouette, with its long wheelbase and short overhangs, was reminiscent of the larger Range Rover models but in a more compact form. The exterior was adorned with unique features like pop-out door handles and deep air ducts, adding to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, featuring a polished black center stack and three sharp screens that provided a sophisticated user interface.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX presented a bold and commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and towering height. The GX's design was more utilitarian, with a focus on off-road capability, evident in its short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, while spacious, was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, which detracted from its luxury badge. However, it offered practical features like heated and cooled seats and a power-retracting steering wheel. The GX's design leaned towards functionality, with a focus on providing a comfortable and capable off-road experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a vehicle that handled and steered with precision. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to a smoother ride, even on standard coil-sprung suspension. The Velar offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune. The latter provided up to 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque, delivering the high performance expected from a luxury SUV. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, enhancing its adaptability to various conditions, although its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While it didn't boast the highest power figures, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was impressive, but its fuel economy was less so, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a stylish yet compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its sleek design. Cargo space was modest, 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 frustrating, but its Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a cleaner interface and faster response times.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space and practical features like hard buttons for controls, which were a welcome alternative to touchscreens. The center console was spacious, and the second row offered comfortable seating with good legroom and headroom. However, the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, adding to the GX's practicality challenges.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system was intuitive, and the 360-degree cameras provided a comprehensive view. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a two-speed transfer case, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package with crawl control and multi-terrain select. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and Lexus Enform Remote added to its tech offerings.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP with a five-star rating. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a reassuring level of protection.