2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats, a unique mesh-pattern grille, and 20-inch gloss black wheels, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was celebrated for its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, with a square-jawed face and rectangular hood and doors. The Defender's design was consistent, with steep angles and tasteful nods to the original 1980s model, such as dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, including a two-door model that could seat six. The interior was functional and durable, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality was excellent, and it offered a range of accessories for customization.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and an impressive 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and a 36-mile electric range. 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 F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 was smooth and responsive on winding roads, though it lacked the refinement of German rivals. It was not suited for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent 4WD provided confidence. On-road, the Defender's performance was less polished, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, offered thrilling acceleration, while the six-cylinder mild hybrid provided 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg and the six-cylinder achieving 18/23/20 mpg. The turbocharged four-cylinder was less powerful and best suited for local driving.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Luxury trim featured ambient lighting with 14 themes, though it was not tested during the review.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional seating flexibility, with configurations for five to eight passengers. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered optional third rows. The 130 provided 77 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded, while the 110 offered 79 cubic feet. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility, and a range of accessories, including a roof rack and console refrigerator, added to its versatility.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, 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 safety features. The digital key and user profiles added convenience, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender came with Pivi Pro infotainment, available with a 10-inch or 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system was reliable and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, and navigation. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while the X trim included air suspension, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender offered a range of safety and convenience features, though it lacked a self-steering highway assist.

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 safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist, with additional features available in higher trims.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, though it lacked some airbags. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.