2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models stood out with performance-oriented styling, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious appeal, with F Sport trims adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the interior felt slightly dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was less than ideal, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, resulting in a clean and simple exterior. Despite limited flashy options, the Range Rover Sport exuded understated luxury with its Eiger Grey paint and silver 23-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, offering a high-tech and luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in various specifications, with the Dynamic SE model boasting heated and ventilated front seats and a range of premium features. The SUV's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and excellent aerodynamics, contributing to its refined appearance.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h hybrid model added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained uninspiring. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, providing a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography model, delivering 434 hp. The Range Rover Sport's performance was commendable, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.5 L/100 km, with 9.4 L/100 km on the highway. The SUV featured adaptive damping air suspension and advanced driving modes, enhancing ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned competitors on twisty roads, and the steering lacked involvement.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a spacious interior with 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models provided limited space for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX and up to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way power adjustments. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. Cargo space was generous, with 903 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,500 litres with the back seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included practical features like a power liftgate, air suspension controls for easier loading, and a full-size spare tire.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with access issues due to a lip in front of the screen. The infotainment system offered voice commands and a touchpad, but both were frustrating to use. The RX included a range of tech features, such as six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle personalization.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. While the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was intuitive, it often proved confusing and frustrating. The SUV's digital assistant struggled with basic commands, and the system's functionality was inconsistent. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems, Active Noise Cancellation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. However, accessing the charging pad was challenging, and the technology's overall performance was disappointing.

The 2022 Lexus RX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the vehicle to park itself via a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were less responsive and smooth than expected.