2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable aesthetic, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in design. Despite the Defender 90 appearing stubby and the 130 carrying excessive visual mass, all models maintained an appealingly robust look. Buyers had numerous customization options, with base prices ranging from $58,525 to $153,625, depending on the model and features. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 X, was priced at $106,092, featuring the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. However, the Gondwana Stone paint clashed with the orange brake calipers and delicate twin-spoke wheels, suggesting that colors like Pangea Green or Santorini Black might be more suitable. Inside, the Defender X boasted premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial-themed cabin that emphasized purpose over luxury.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite its bold front grille and dramatic rear haunches, the RX remained unremarkable in appearance. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering varying levels of power and efficiency. The RX 500h, with 366 hp, was the most powerful but least fuel-efficient. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls ranged from baffling to brilliant. The RX avoided the common single curved display approach, maintaining a unique interior design.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's performance was characterized by its turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and featured an adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes. Off-road capabilities were impressive, with 11.4 inches of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. However, on-road performance was less thrilling, with a heavy curb weight and slow steering. The Defender's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 16.2 mpg.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, was the most efficient, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between driver and machine.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered spacious seating across three rows, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats and effective ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. Storage space was plentiful in the front, but less accommodating in the rear. The Defender 130's third-row seat was roomy and comfortable, with a side-hinged cargo door providing access to 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions lacked comfort. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system's response and accuracy had improved, offering a more intuitive user experience. The Defender also included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The RX 500h featured a conversational digital voice assistant and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored forward progress, while the optional Convenience Package included a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests.