2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, introduced after a redesign, targeted the luxury SUV market with four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, it offered trim levels such as base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 delivery charge.

The NX 350, particularly in F Sport and Luxury trims, stood out with its signature Lexus spindle grille. It embraced a simplified yet refined attention to detail epitomized by the new block lettering on the tailgate. This gave the NX a more contemporary and elegant Lexus identity. It was larger and roomier than its predecessor, featuring NuLuxe simulated leather in most models and genuine leather with open-pore wood trim in the Luxury variant. For the first time, a panoramic sunroof was available, adding sophistication to the NX lineup.

Specifically, the NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, an F Sport steering wheel, unique instrumentation with a G-force meter, dark interior trim, and alloy pedals and scuff plates. The minimalist design of the NX's interior eliminated the clutter seen in previous models, but the heavy reliance on the 14-inch touchscreen for multiple functions could lead to some confusion for the driver. The quality levels were generally high, though there were some minor setbacks, such as the feel of the turn signal controls.

On the contrary, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport opted for a more restrained, "modernist" and "reductive" design. This resulted in a clean, simple aesthetic, which, although luxurious, might not appeal to those seeking more flamboyant styling. Our test vehicle, clothed in Eiger Gray with 23-inch silver wheels and the Black Exterior Pack, looked refined and sophisticated. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme oozed understated luxury with aluminum and shiny black trim.

Land Rover offered the Range Rover Sport in three specifications: SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e. Our SE Dynamic P400 test model, priced at $98,420 including the $1,475 destination charge, was generously equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Cold Climate Pack, and a Technology Pack. It featured narrowly designed premium LED headlights and flush-mounted door handles, enhancing its modern design. The taillights employed surface LED technology—a first for production vehicles—and the vehicle's aerodynamic profile boasted a coefficient of drag at 0.29.

Inside, the high-tech cabin highlighted the use of sustainable Ultrafabrics but mostly impressed with the Windsor leather upholstery known for its smoothness and fragrance.

The 2022 Lexus NX boasted two electrified models: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and a 36-mile pure electric range. However, this review focused on the non-electrified NX 350, which had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard, and the SUV had impressive handling dynamics honed at Lexus's technical center in Shimoyama, Japan. While it wasn't expected to compete with performance-tuned European rivals, it offered an enjoyable drive with its agile handling and adaptive suspension.

The NX 350 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.6 seconds, with fuel economy figures varying based on the trim—22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX 350 had selectable driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Eco, and in the F Sport trim, Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes. Though the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine felt potent, it didn't sound as refined as some German competitors. Additionally, the NX had limitations in off-road capabilities, with modest ground clearance and shallow approach and departure angles.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport sought to balance refinement, comfort, and engaging driving dynamics. It offered various powertrains, including a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six for the SE P360 and a 395-hp version for the SE Dynamic P400. The P400 engine made 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating the SUV to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while providing a pleasant drive on various terrains. Additionally, the Autobiography P440e PHEV delivered 434 hp and an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Though the V8 engine was temporarily unavailable, Land Rover planned to reintroduce it in future models.

Land Rover's engineers aimed to create a dual personality SUV. An adaptive damping air suspension and a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness helped reduce unwanted body movement. The SUV had several advanced handling technologies like Dynamic driving mode, brake-induced torque vectoring, and roll stability control. Despite these features, the Range Rover Sport didn't quite match the precision of German competitors on twisty roads, feeling tall and slightly heavy, with noticeable body roll in tight curves. Nonetheless, its off-road capabilities remained unmatched, thanks to 11.1 inches of ground clearance and advanced systems like Terrain Response, All Terrain Progress Control, and hill descent control.

Regarding interior space and comfort, the 2022 Lexus NX offered spacious accommodations despite its smaller size compared to the Range Rover Sport. The redesigned dashboard in the NX created a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and padded surfaces where drivers typically brace their legs. F Sport models provided sports seats with better bolstering. Rear-seat passengers benefited from roomy seating with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. Additionally, the panoramic glass sunroof extended over the rear seats, enhancing the sense of space.

Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space for the new NX, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, from the driver’s seat, the space didn't feel significantly more generous than the previous model.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, on the other hand, preserved the "Command Driving Position," offering a tall, airy feel for the driver and front passenger. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the Windsor leather seats provided exceptional comfort with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, despite improvements, the rear seat space remained tight for taller passengers, with hard seatback panels and narrow door openings that impeded entry and exit.

The cargo capacity of the Range Rover Sport was more generous, with 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While not as cavernous as some other SUVs, it allowed better flexibility for carrying luggage and outdoor gear. Additional storage solutions included a shallow tray under the center console, a deep bin under the armrest, and a hidden bin beneath the sliding cupholder tray.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the introduction of the Lexus Interface infotainment system. It replaced the much-maligned Remote Touch Interface with a more user-friendly 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Voice Assistant technology were standard, along with subscription-based connected services like WiFi, Apple Music, and Amazon Music streaming. Intelligent Assistant enhanced navigational functions and music streaming based on natural voice commands. The lavish 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system offered exceptional audio quality.

Despite these advancements, some areas could improve. The larger touchscreen accumulated fingerprints and dust quickly, and its reflective surface could be distracting on sunny days. Additionally, users could not easily display multiple data panels simultaneously, and the absence of a tuning knob was puzzling.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform, while promising to learn user habits, often proved confusing and frustrating during use. Simple tasks like finding a nearby Starbucks became a hassle with its unhelpful virtual assistant.

Land Rover also offered impressive Meridian audio systems, with up to 29 speakers and 1,430 watts of power and an advanced Active Noise Cancellation system. The SUV included a wireless smartphone charging pad, though it was somewhat challenging to access the device.

The 2022 Lexus NX excelled in the safety department with its extensive suite of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features, collectively known as Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Highlights included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. Additionally, it had an Emergency Driving Stop System, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. Standard safety features also included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology alongside intelligent left-turn and pedestrian detection systems.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport also came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also had automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Additionally, it included Wade Sensing to assist with water crossings. Land Rover's Remote Park Assist was another standout feature, allowing the vehicle to park itself while the driver controlled it externally via a smartphone app.

Our test focused on the adaptive cruise control with steering assist, which proved slow to respond and not particularly smooth. The steering assist was dissatisfactory, especially on freeway curves, requiring the driver to frequently wrestle with the system.