2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims including the base 350, F Sport, and the three-row 7-passenger L models. A hybrid variant was also available, known as the RX 450h. Even after its significant 2020 facelift, the RX maintained its modern and sporty look, easily the most aggressive among competitors such as the Audi Q5, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The RX’s design was characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular, boomerang-like features that stopped just short of being excessive. The F Sport trim, particularly, introduced enhanced styling with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, dark window trimming, F Sport badging, and unique front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the RX exuded luxury with nearly a dozen color combinations for most trims, while the F Sport showcased a sportier aesthetic with model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. However, the center stack felt a bit dated, despite the addition of modern infotainment touchscreens in 2020. Comfort was somewhat compromised in the RX F Sport, as the NuLuxe seats were notably stiff, and finding an ideal driving position took time.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport adhered to what Land Rover termed “modernist” and “reductive” design principles. The exterior was clean and understated, unlike its flashier peers, save for minimal accents such as the Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle featured an Eiger Gray paint with silver wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack, giving it a subdued but sophisticated appearance.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport combined luxury with high-tech elements. The cabin showcased a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with premium aluminum and shiny black trim. Despite its added creature comforts, like heated and ventilated front seats and a properly utilitarian air suspension system, the design strived more for understated elegance rather than overt opulence.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h raised the bar to a combined output of 308 hp through the addition of two electric motors. Both models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the RX 350 offering an option between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the RX 450h was AWD only.

In practice, however, the RX’s performance fell short of its sporty facade. The engine sound was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was sluggish. The F Sport variant, despite its namesake, added little to the performance, and drive modes like Sport+ left much to be desired. The RX did excel in comfort and quietness, offering a serene cabin environment and an ability to absorb rough patches easily.

On the other hand, the 2023 Range Rover Sport had a more compelling powertrain lineup. The SE and SE Dynamic models housed a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 355 horsepower in the SE and a robust 395 hp in the SE Dynamic. There was also a PHEV variant exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 hp with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Early 2023 saw a powerful 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 in select models, although it was later pulled from the lineup.

The test vehicle’s 395-hp inline-six demonstrated ample power, and the claim of 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds felt credible. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, and real-world testing showed even better performance at 22.3 mpg. The Range Rover Sport also boasted a 7,716-pound towing capacity, underscoring its versatility. However, it fell short of true sport-tuned SUV benchmarks in handling and driver engagement on twisty roads, although it felt nearly invincible off-road with its sophisticated suspension and advanced tech features.

The 2022 Lexus RX was quite spacious for a midsize luxury SUV, especially in the two-row configuration. It offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults. Front-seat headroom measured 39.4 inches with 44.1 inches of legroom, while the rear provided 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom. Cargo capacity behind the second row stood at 16.0 cubic feet, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The three-row variant was less practical, offering only 7.45 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up and up to 58.48 cubic feet with the rear rows folded, albeit they did not fold completely flat.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, providing a tall, airy ambiance. The front seats were highly comfortable with 20-way adjustments and features like heating and ventilation. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, especially for taller passengers, and the hard front seatback panels added to the discomfort. Cargo space was more substantial than the RX, offering 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 53 cubic feet. The Range Rover Sport also included practical features like a second deep bin under the sliding cupholder tray and controls to lower the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an optional 12.3-inch display available. Both touchscreens, however, were awkwardly positioned within a cove atop the center stack, making them ergonomically challenging to operate. The system included voice commands and a touchpad, both of which were less than user-friendly. Despite these shortcomings, the RX was well-equipped with tech amenities such as six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems.

Conversely, the 2023 Range Rover Sport was packed with advanced technology, including a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM were standard, while Wi-Fi required a data plan. However, the Pivi Pro platform was often confusing and frustrating to navigate. The Range Rover Sport also offered Meridian audio systems with up to 29 speakers and next-gen Active Noise Cancellation for an enhanced auditory experience.

Safety was a strong suit for the 2022 Lexus RX, with standard Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display were also included. The RX achieved a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and scored four stars overall from NHTSA, lacking the top rating primarily due to headlight performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport also boasted an array of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It further included adaptive cruise control with steering assist, though this function was not always reliable. Additional features such as automatic high beams, a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system added to its safety profile. Remote Park Assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself via a smartphone app, was an advanced, albeit niche, feature.