2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not traditionally SUV-like, maintained a familiar Lexus aesthetic. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid's underpinnings were based on the older Toyota RAV4 platform, making it feel somewhat dated compared to its peers. The interior, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a mix of materials that leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive, boxy profile, reminiscent of the original Defender and classic Series Land Rovers. Its modern design incorporated rounded corners and recessed LED headlights, offering a unique blend of retro and contemporary styling. The interior emphasized ruggedness with exposed metal and screws, while still providing a mix of leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design was both functional and stylish, catering to those who appreciated its off-road heritage.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a new V8 engine producing 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the Defender 90 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The V8 model featured unique suspension tuning for sportier handling, though it felt less poised than the six-cylinder variant. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender provided a comfortable on-road experience, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from its large tires.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats offered good support, and features like power adjustment and heated/ventilated options were available. However, cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered more versatility, with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats in the Defender 90 and multiple configurations in the Defender 110. Cargo space varied, with up to 70.4 cubic feet available in the three-row Defender 110. The interior design emphasized functionality, with easy-to-reach controls and ample storage options, including a large center-console bin.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was underwhelming, lacking the quality expected from a luxury brand.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Optional tech included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera, enhancing the Defender's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned 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, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with options for adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, which is common for luxury vehicles.