2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a vehicle that appealed to those who appreciated a sleek, black-on-black aesthetic, despite the challenges of maintaining such a finish. The Black Line treatment removed nearly all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a striking, monochromatic appearance. However, the Lexus GX's design was reminiscent of its predecessors, with a boxy shape and a high stance that made it look dated. Inside, the cabin was crafted with the quality and refinement expected from Lexus, offering a quiet ride with the faint hum of the V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was both sporty and sophisticated. The Velar's exterior was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, featuring a sleek, streamlined profile with flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was modern and stylish, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the overall design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, aided by its torque delivery at 3,500 rpm. The SUV featured a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, providing a 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 16 mpg combined, with a slightly better result of 16.8 mpg during testing. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride quality and off-road capability, though the steering and brake pedal were noted as less refined.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and adjustable ground clearance. The available 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive performance and reduced emissions. The Velar's Terrain Response system and off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with a comfortable interior featuring NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The cabin was equipped with physical controls, though some were awkwardly placed. The GX's third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a side-swinging tailgate that made loading difficult. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a stylish but compact interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's controls were criticized for their complexity, with a confusing parking brake system and a bulky shifter that obstructed access to other controls. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface and customization options.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. The GX also offered a CD player, a WiFi hotspot, and optional surround-view cameras. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and the system lacked some advanced features found in competitors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable and intuitive, with a simplified layout and customizable options. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar also offered a heated windshield, 360-degree cameras, and an off-road mode. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but was equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. 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.