2026 Lexus TX vs 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 came standard with the Luxury package, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with an option for the F Sport 3 package. Higher packages included towing capabilities. The base models featured 20-inch wheels, while most packages boasted 22-inch wheels. The design retained a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle grille, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior offered three colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with noticeable plastic elements. Redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though they seemed unnecessary compared to potential improvements in cabin detail.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its distinctive, elegant design, characterized by a steeply angled windshield and rear window, a gently sloping roofline, and minimal creases. The pop-out door handles and wide taillight strip added trendy styling elements. The clamshell hood, narrow lights, and small grille contributed to a tall, blunt front end. The Range Rover Sport appeared narrow and tall, enhancing off-road capabilities and interior headroom. Various paint colours and wheels were available, with the SV Carbon featuring a two-tone hood with exposed carbon fibre and other carbon accents. The 23-inch carbon wheels were a standout feature, showcasing intricate weaves and justifying their high cost. The interior evolved from the previous generation, with a minimalist aesthetic that some found too sparse. Black plastic dominated the centre stack and console, but the seat controls, steering wheel, and seats maintained a high-quality feel. Ultrafabrics offered a practical alternative to leather, and a variety of headliners were available.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid employed a six-speed automatic, preferred by some over a CVT. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque via electric motors. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered three powertrains, each with two states of tune. All gas-only trims were mild hybrids, featuring a small battery and 48-volt electrical system. An eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and locking centre and rear differentials were standard. The base S model had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic SE added an electric supercharger, increasing output to 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. A plug-in hybrid powertrain offered up to 85 km of gas-free driving, with total output reaching 454 hp and 487 lb-ft. A BMW-built V8 was available, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The SV trims featured a 626 hp BMW V8 with a revised ECU tune and sport exhaust system. Fuel consumption figures were incomplete, but the P530 had a combined rating of 12.6 L/100 km. Adaptive dampers and air springs were standard, with the SV Carbon offering exceptional handling and off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complex. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All models could tow up to 2,268 kg.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided ample legroom and headroom, with heated and electrically reclining seats. The cargo space was 592 litres behind the rear seats, with a cargo divider available. However, the 1,267 litres with the rear seats folded was small for a midsize SUV. The narrow rear door opening was a drawback, but the towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive. The lack of physical controls was a functional issue, with most functions hidden in the touchscreen.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature was confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view. The Advanced Park system could handle parking duties, and the rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed charged.

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 detailed information. Apple CarPlay worked well in full screen, and the instrument panel offered configurable layouts. The surround-view cameras were clear, and the Meridian Signature stereo was a highlight, though not as clear as in the full-size Range Rover.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, and more. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up. The NHTSA rated the TX five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it mixed scores.

The 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. However, it lacked front knee airbags and other advanced airbags. No crash-test ratings were available from North American organizations, but Euro NCAP gave it a five-star rating.