2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. Its front and side profiles remained largely unchanged, maintaining the broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal. A vertical accent strip under the mirrors distinguished it from the previous model, which had an L-shaped trim. The rear saw the most significant update, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover continued to emphasize its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, enhancing its modern appeal. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements elevated the interior's luxury, while the solid build quality ensured a quiet and refined ride.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, offered a fresh take on the popular SUV. While the RX 350h looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX's design, however, remained somewhat unbalanced, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that reduced rear overhang. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach, with fewer controls and a new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Pricing for the new RX models was not announced, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance around $70,000.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering aiding maneuverability. Off-road capability was enhanced by the Terrain Response system, while ride quality remained smooth and quiet.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient powertrain in the RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but with a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg. The RX 500h accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, aided by an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering. The RX 350h offered a more secure and comfortable ride, with a lower center of gravity and instant electric motor torque, achieving 32 mpg in testing.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were comfortable, with available massage functions, and storage options were plentiful. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was less spacious, suitable for smaller passengers, and cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind it. Folding the third row expanded capacity to 43.1 cubic feet, with a maximum of 93 cubic feet. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension facilitated loading and unloading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid's RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with standard leather. Rear legroom and support were good, but headroom was tight due to the battery pack placement and lower roofline. Cargo space improved to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seat folded, surpassing the previous model but still trailing some competitors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a smartphone app for remote control and monitoring.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription plans for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some limitations. The touchscreen displayed one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads, but these were problematic with polarized sunglasses. The system's user experience had room for improvement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, but the Range Rover lacked some advanced safety technologies found in rivals. No crash test ratings were available from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, enhancing safety and efficiency. The system had some irritations, such as the front cross-traffic alert's reliance on the HUD, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The curve-speed reduction feature was reactive, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.