2026 Lexus NX vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover maintained its classic appeal with a design that subtly evolved from its predecessor. It offered both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter available in two-row or three-row configurations. Buyers could choose from SE, Autobiography, and SV trims, though not all trims were available with every body style. The exterior design, characterized by updated headlights and taillights, retained its understated elegance, distinguishing itself from flashier competitors. Inside, the minimalist dashboard featured a touchscreen, engine start button, and shifter, with a focus on simplicity and attention to detail. However, the use of plastic materials in the long-wheelbase SE model was a minor drawback.

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, still appeared fresh with its well-integrated styling elements. The design team refined existing features like the spindle grille and LED daytime running lights, achieving a cohesive look. The NX was available in non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, with various trim levels. The F Sport Handling grade added sporty elements, but the base NX 350 fell short of luxury expectations. The interior, particularly in the F Sport Handling model, felt more akin to a high-end Toyota RAV4, lacking the premium feel expected from a luxury SUV. The NX's design was more extroverted, yet it maintained brand loyalty due to Lexus' reputation for luxury.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The entry-level engine was a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid version of this engine delivered 543 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The V8 option, sourced from BMW, was a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter engine, generating 523 hp and 553 lb-ft in SE and Autobiography models, and 606 hp in the SV model. The SV could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 162 mph. Despite its size, the Range Rover excelled in comfort and refinement, with excellent ride quality and body control. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a two-speed transfer case, Terrain Response drive modes, and height-adjustable air suspension.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered various powertrain options, but the standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, but the eight-speed automatic transmission hindered performance. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising, with the latter delivering 304 hp and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time. However, the NX's chassis tuning was indifferent, even with the F Sport Handling upgrade. The ride quality was uncomfortable, and the steering lacked engagement. Lexus struggled to match the performance prowess of its German rivals, and the NX's ride quality fell short of the brand's reputation for comfort and refinement.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample interior space, with three-row models seating seven and two-row models seating five. Headroom was generous across all rows, and the long-wheelbase model provided unmatched second-row legroom. The third-row legroom was competitive, and power-folding seats facilitated access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in place, but folding the seats expanded it to 40.7 cubic feet and 83.5 cubic feet, respectively. The split tailgate and air suspension made loading cargo easier. The Range Rover could tow up to 8,200 pounds, matching its body-on-frame competitors.

The 2026 Lexus NX provided competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV, but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was closer to the Audi and Mercedes, but the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds. The interior featured large cupholders, but the overall space was less accommodating than expected.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, while a 35-speaker Meridian audio system was available on higher trims. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved over time, but the lack of physical controls made it less user-friendly. The natural-language voice recognition system helped mitigate this issue, allowing for easy control of certain functions.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports were standard. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages with subscription fees. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed, but the touch slider for fan speed was awkward. The voice recognition system offered some assistance, but had limitations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, but resembled older analog displays.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover included standard driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. However, it lacked advanced systems like Super Cruise or BlueCruise. The driver aids functioned as expected, but the camera view required manual activation, and parking aids were overly sensitive. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering comprehensive driver-assist features. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and more. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, but missed the highest rating due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. NHTSA ratings were not yet published.