2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the classic, rugged design reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked nostalgia, contrasting sharply with the smoother, less favored Discovery. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, featuring elements like step plates and a ladder for roof access, though some were more decorative than practical. Its taillights and external spare tire maintained the traditional look, while options like mudflaps and snorkels added to its adventurous appeal. Inside, the Defender's industrial interior prioritized durability over luxury, with exposed screws and water-resistant materials. Despite its high price, it lacked the luxury feel of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, featured a sharp, streamlined design that was both familiar and distinct. Its styling, though unchanged over the years, remained appealing with elements like the F Sport Black Line's mesh grille and dark wheels. The interior, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and minimal wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty touches like aluminum pedals and contrast stitching, but the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid's interior design and materials didn't quite match the expectations of a luxury brand.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a robust driving experience with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system provided smooth power delivery and quick engine restarts. The Defender excelled off-road, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system and adjustable-height suspension, handling steep angles and deep water with ease. On-road, it felt heavy and required effort to steer and brake, reminiscent of older SUVs. The standard 2.0-liter engine offered 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller Defender 90 model.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor producing 194 horsepower. It achieved 0-60 mph in 9.1 seconds, emphasizing its non-performance focus. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration. The NX Hybrid's drivetrain struggled with quick power transitions, making it less responsive in traffic.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility, with options for two-door (90) and four-door (110) models. The interior was practical, with durable materials and simple controls. The Defender 90 could seat up to six with an optional jump seat, while the 110 offered a third row for seven passengers. Cargo space varied, with the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. Towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, showcasing its rugged capability.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered less interior space, with limited headroom and rear legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and available heating and ventilation. The sloping roofline and thick pillars reduced rear visibility, though large mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX Hybrid's interior aimed for a sporty feel, with high-rising dashboard and door sides.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. It included dual SIM cards for data streaming and over-the-air updates. The system offered off-road aids like ground view cameras and digital rearview mirrors. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims added luxury features like a Meridian stereo and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated with text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The overall infotainment experience was less user-friendly compared to competitors.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender lacked ratings from U.S. crash testing agencies but included standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. The NX Hybrid's safety features made it a strong contender in its class.