2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350, particularly in F Sport and Luxury trims, was noted for its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The SUV was larger than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space, with options for NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather in the Luxury trim. The F Sport variant stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a new F Sport steering wheel. The interior design aimed for minimalism, though some controls integrated into the touchscreen were less intuitive, potentially causing confusion for drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's proportions in a sportier package. Its exterior featured a sleek, almost liquid form with flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish yet understated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The interior space was tighter compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was modest, but the Velar's design choices prioritized aesthetics over practicality. The infotainment system, Pivi Pro, offered a simplified layout and useful features, though some design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ providing 302 horsepower with a plug-in hybrid system. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The SUV's handling was improved over the previous model, though it lacked the refinement of some German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

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, while an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system provided up to 395 horsepower. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension offering a plush experience. The standard Terrain Response system included multiple driving modes, but the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and performance, though a V8 option was no longer available.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The SUV was comfortable, with available heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX provided 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Luxury trim added ambient lighting with nature-inspired themes, enhancing the interior atmosphere.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices prioritized aesthetics, but some practical aspects, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized. The Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a cleaner interface, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with large touchscreen displays and natural voice recognition. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered a range of connected services, including navigation, music streaming, and digital key capability. Some criticisms included the lack of a tuning knob and the touchscreen's tendency to collect fingerprints.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system simplified the layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. It included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered traffic detours and commuting directions. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, and the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. Standard safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and an adaptive front lighting system.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.