2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, maintaining the SUV's sleek design without any unnecessary styling changes. This approach was appreciated, as it kept the vehicle's aesthetic appeal intact despite the added cost of the hybrid powertrain.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport PHEV exuded luxury with high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The test vehicle, priced at $93,200 with options, featured Firenze Red paint, a black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The interior offered excellent front-seat comfort with heated and ventilated seats, though the narrow inboard armrests were less comfortable. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed a tall riding position and a panoramic glass roof that brightened the black-on-black interior.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model introduced standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to those who favored a tough, aggressive look.

Inside, the GX's ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and the tall seating position felt bus-like. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility. The interior featured standard leather upholstery, but the wood trim felt like plastic. The third row was cramped and difficult to access, making it best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, especially with the third row in use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claimed an all-electric range of 31 miles, but the test vehicle struggled to achieve this, often switching to the gas engine. The SUV averaged 41.9 mpg in EV mode and 25.5 mpg over a 60-mile loop, a modest improvement over previous models.

Driving impressions were positive, with quick acceleration and a comfortable ride thanks to the adaptive air suspension and various driving modes. The steering was responsive, and the regenerative brakes worked well, though they were grabby. Off-road capability remained strong, with a permanent 4WD system and multiple traction settings. However, recharging the battery was frustrating, often taking longer than expected.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 provided strong acceleration from a stop, but the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds. Merging and overtaking required careful planning, and braking was less responsive than modern SUVs. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a rough ride and significant body roll in corners.

Off-road, the GX excelled with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids like hill-descent control. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and multi-view camera system. The GX offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles. Towing capacity was 6,500 pounds, with trailer-sway control included.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the already tight 27.5-cubic-foot area behind the back seat. The raised cargo floor made it easy for items to fall out when opening the tailgate. However, the SUV comfortably seated five people, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear passengers. The panoramic glass roof added a sense of openness to the interior.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The boxy profile provided good visibility, but the tall hood obstructed forward views. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was minimal with the third row in use, making it more practical as a two-row SUV.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which could be frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting it up, the system occasionally behaved unpredictably and lacked haptic feedback. While it offered a clean and modern interior aesthetic, the complexity of the technology could be overwhelming for some drivers.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with advanced driver-assistance systems, including a new steering-assist system. However, the SUV's higher center of gravity and adaptive air suspension resulted in head-toss over uneven pavement. The lane-keeping assist system was abrupt, leading the driver to turn it off. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's nearly 5,500-pound weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.