2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 exuded an aesthetic appeal that captivated those fond of black-on-black vehicles, even though such a look was hard to maintain. The Black Line Special Edition, available in colors like Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, or Nori Green Pearl, stood out with its nearly chrome-free exterior. Our test unit in Black Onyx appeared as an imposing black hole, absorbing all light around it.

However, the GX couldn't escape its dated overall look, reminiscent of the first-generation GX 470 from twenty years prior. Only signature elements like the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights distinguished it as a more modern model. Inside, the cabin upheld Lexus's legendary craftsmanship, featuring refined materials and a serene environment disrupted only by the V8's engine note. The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was offered in three trims: Standard, Premium, and Luxury, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design ethos, appearing clean and straightforward rather than flashy. Its appeal lay in subtlety, with our test vehicle clad in Eiger Gray paint and 23-inch silver wheels enhanced by a Black Exterior Pack. Inside, the luxurious Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and glossy black trim, defined understated elegance.

Land Rover provided the Range Rover Sport in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e models, with our test vehicle being the SE Dynamic P400 priced at $98,420. It boasted high-end LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and trailblazing surface LED taillights. The aerodynamic design promised a smooth ride, thanks to its 0.29 drag coefficient. The interior's luxurious materials, like Windsor leather, captivated with their aroma and touch, marking a significant leap in style and sophistication.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 embodied a blend of power and rugged capability. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine provided 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, enabling a relatively gentle 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system ensured consistent power distribution, sending 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear under standard conditions. Despite its powerful engine, the GX was not fuel-efficient, delivering 16 mpg in combined driving.

Off-road performance was bolstered by the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS), enhancing wheel articulation while maintaining stability. The Off-Road Package, though only available for the Luxury trim, further widened the GX's off-road prowess with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, the GX's weight and high drag coefficient of 0.35 limited its efficiency and speed.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered versatility and potency across varying terrains. Equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, our SE Dynamic P400 test model generated 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, achieving a nimble 5.4-second dash to 60 mph. The P360 variant produced a lesser 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the P440e PHEV boasted 434 hp and promised 51 miles of electric-only range.

Fuel efficiency was commendable for the Range Rover Sport, with our test vehicle averaging 22.3 mpg during evaluations. Advanced adaptive damping air suspension contributed to both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Innovative features like the Dynamic Response Pro and all-wheel steering enhanced driving dynamics, although the sportiness fell slightly short compared to German rivals. The architecture's 35% increase in torsional stiffness and multiple driving aids ensured a refined experience, even in challenging terrains where it felt almost invincible.

The Lexus GX presented an elevated driving position, clear outward visibility, but somewhat cumbersome interior ergonomics. The front seats were 10-way power-adjustable and, while comfortable, the controls were outdated. Entering the rear seats was tricky due to narrow door openings, though once inside, passengers enjoyed ample space and a tall seating arrangement. The third-row seat was impractical for adults and compromised cargo space. The GX's awkward side-hinged tailgate further complicated loading. It offered 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport's design, with its Command Driving Position and accessible air suspension, emphasized driver and front passenger comfort. The Windsor leather upholstery and 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation further enhanced luxury. Rear space, while improved, remained somewhat tight. The cargo area was notably more generous than the GX, with 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 53 cubic feet with the seats down. Loading was easier thanks to the power liftgate and adjustable air suspension.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant update integrated with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and an optional Mark Levinson audio system. Despite the user-friendly screen placement, the still present but outdated Remote Touch Interface detracted from the experience. Parking and terrain-view cameras were available, enhancing the vehicle’s utility, though some control placements were inconvenient.

Land Rover stepped up with robust tech in the 2023 Range Rover Sport, featuring a 13.7-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa, the system was advanced but often frustratingly complex. The integration of impressive Meridian audio systems and active noise cancellation rounded out its tech offering, which included a problematic voice recognition system that struggled with simple prompts.

Safety in the 2022 Lexus GX came through standard Lexus Safety System+ features: adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams, supplemented by Safety Connect services. However, missing advanced driver aids like lane-centering or evasive steering assist revealed its age.

The Range Rover Sport packed advanced safety features: forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more, including a ClearSight Ground View camera and Wade Sensing for off-road. Despite robust features, the adaptive cruise control and steering assistance were not as refined as expected.