Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels tailored to different powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and the striking Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models featured 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells impressively. The design retained the large spindle grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light strip. Inside, the TX provided two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. Ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles offered a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its distinctive, elegant appearance with a steeply angled windshield and rear window, a gently sloping roofline, and minimal creases. The SV Carbon trim featured a two-tone hood with exposed carbon fiber and enormous 23-inch carbon wheels, showcasing exceptional performance credibility. The interior design evolved from the previous generation, with a minimalist aesthetic that some found too sparse. Black plastic dominated the center stack, but the seat controls, steering wheel, and seats were top-notch. Ultrafabrics offered a practical alternative to leather, and a variety of headliners added a touch of luxury. However, the lack of physical controls made basic functions challenging to access, with most features hidden in the touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model delivering 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid test car generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ delivered a quiet and smooth ride, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered three powertrains, each with two states of tune. The SE featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 horsepower, while the Dynamic SE added an electric supercharger for 395 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid powertrain provided 454 horsepower and 53 miles of gas-free driving. The BMW-built V8 engine delivered 523 horsepower in the Twenty Edition and Autobiography trims, while the SV trims boasted 626 horsepower. The Range Rover Sport featured adaptive dampers and air springs, allowing for impressive off-road capability and a smooth ride. The SV Carbon trim offered exceptional handling, rivaling high-performance SUVs.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row offered ample space for adults, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were mostly screen-based, with physical dials for temperature. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered generous legroom and headroom, with heated and electrically reclining seats. The front row featured 20-way power adjustment, ventilation, and memory. The cargo space was 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a cargo divider available. However, the 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded was small for a midsize SUV. The Range Rover Sport excelled in towing capacity, with 7,716 pounds for gas models and 6,614 pounds for plug-in hybrids. The lack of physical controls made accessing functions challenging, with most features hidden in the touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, making them confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The backup camera offered a clear view, with an available bird’s-eye view and Advanced Park system. The TX provided seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's 13.1-inch display made basic functionality difficult but excelled in managing occasional features. The Wade Sensing app and 4x4i app provided valuable off-road information. Apple CarPlay worked well in full screen, and the factory navigation and audio interface were user-friendly. The instrument panel offered configurable layouts, and the surround-view cameras were clear. The Meridian Signature stereo was a highlight, though not as impressive as in the full-size Range Rover.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, and more. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, it lacked front knee airbags and a front central airbag. No U.S. crash-test ratings were available, but the Euro NCAP gave it a five-star rating.