Pavement Powerhouse

On-road finesse begins with the engine, and with their standard powertrains, the Range Rover Sport and the Lexus GX prove that they’ve come to play and will work hard to deliver what you need. The 3-liter P360 Gas Mild Hybrid inline-6 (I6) engine in the Range Rover Sport generates 355 horsepower (HP), while the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Lexus GX produces 349 HP.

In the case of the Lexus, that’s the only option. Meanwhile, the Range Rover Sport provides the power of choice—your choice of four additional engine options, including a PHEV (plug-in hybrid), which is unavailable for the Lexus GX.

Both models pair their respective engines with an automatic transmission and come equipped with All Wheel Drive to aid with traction in less-than-ideal conditions. However, only the Range Rover Sport includes optional All Wheel Steering, which helps with acceleration, offers agility when navigating tight parking spaces, increases stability when cornering or changing lanes, and more.

Off-Road Prowess

Whether during the week or on the weekend, you’re a bit of a risk taker and always welcome a challenge to flex your resilience muscle. Which SUV has what it takes to help you tackle whatever comes your way—or seek adventure where others may fear to tread? The Range Rover Sport offers a rugged capability that is prepared to roam without limitation.

The Range Rover Sport and the Lexus GX each offer trims specifically designed to help you push boundaries beyond what you may have thought possible: the Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two and the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail. Still, when you examine their offerings, the Range Rover Sport clearly has the upper hand.

In the Range Rover Sport, that extra clearance enables you to confidently:

• Sail over deep ruts, washouts, and potholes
• Ford deeper streams and puddles
• Hurdle off-road obstacles like large rocks and logs
• Transcend soft dunes and deep snow
• Scale steep driveways and curbs

Both models offer adaptability through their advanced systems of terrain modes, although the Range Rover has seven modes compared to six in the Lexus.

Exterior Elegance

The Range Rover DNA is apparent from its sleek, modern profile with short overhangs, distinctive grille, and Matte Graphite lettering. Its iconic silhouette offers a commanding presence, resonating with a confident attitude that matches your own. Alternatively, the Lexus GX presents a traditional SUV silhouette and squared-off body. The question remains: Do you prefer contemporary and aerodynamic like the Range Rover Sport or more classic and boxy like the Lexus GX?

Offering a firm foundation are standard 21-inch wheels on the Range Rover Sport and 20-inch wheels on the Lexus. Although both models offer metallic and satin exterior paint shades, only the Range Rover makes available distinctive Satin Burnished Copper hood and side vents to personalize your luxury SUV further and make it uniquely yours.

When comparing their respective dimensions and weight, these two midsize SUVs once again diverge.

Thanks to its leaner, streamlined frame, the Range Rover Sport is more agile, can accelerate more quickly, and carve through corners more precisely than the larger Lexus GX.

Interior Indulgence

From urban commutes and school drop-offs to networking events and your kids’ extra-curricular activities, you may feel like you’re caught in the relentless cycle of your daily routine. Stepping into the Range Rover Sport is like entering a calm mobile haven that helps quiet the “noise” of your often over-booked schedule.

Its standard sculpted heated and ventilated front seats with memory are wrapped in Windsor leather or available Semi-Aniline leather that welcomes you in an embrace. You can also choose Ultrafabrics™, which maintains a focus not only on comfort but also on sustainability. The Lexus GX is similar in that it is equipped with heated and ventilated front seats, but that's where the similarities end; the GX seats are covered in NuLuxe®, a synthetic material.

Other standard amenities in the Range Rover Sport that help ensure the comfort of everyone on board include:

• 20-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated power recline rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Panoramic roof

A Lexus upgrade or optional package is required to enjoy a heated steering wheel or heated rear seats. Meanwhile, the maximum number of seating positions in the GX is limited to 10—half of those included with the Range Rover Sport.

Connected Command Center

In either model, you’ll find a streamlined entertainment hub front and center, featuring a touchscreen of at least 13 inches. Connect your smartphone through wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ to access all your apps, maps, contacts, music, and more. Wireless charging enables you to keep your devices fully powered without cord clutter; while standard in the Range Rover, it’s only an available option in the Lexus.

Although both luxury SUVs include an onboard intelligent assistant, only the Range Rover Sport includes Amazon Alexa, which not only allows you to control most in-car functions but can also assist with your smart home devices. Plus, you can interact with your SUV (lock/unlock, precondition the cabin, etc.) while you’re at home using the Land Rover Remote skill.

Your commute is the perfect time to listen to your preferred playlist. Both models come standard with impressive audio systems, with 15 speakers in the Range Rover and 10 in the Lexus. True audiophiles will revel in the optional 29-speaker Meridian™ Signature Sound system with Trifield 3D technology in the Range Rover Sport. The Lexus also has a premium surround system, but it only has 21 speakers.

Smart Safety Shield

Of course, no in-vehicle technologies are more critical than those that help protect you and your passengers. With the aid of sensors, cameras, and onboard computers, these safety systems serve as a vigilant copilot to detect obstacles and assist in vehicle control, helping avoid or mitigate collisions.

The Range Rover Sport and the Lexus GX are well-equipped to add a layer of protection around your luxury SUV. Among their similarities in this area are brand-specific versions of:

• Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Assist/Rear Traffic Monitor
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Aid
• Traffic Sign Recognition

Once again, the Range Rover Sport goes a few steps further than the Lexus GX. Its standard Driver Condition Response monitors driving patterns and behaviors, alerting you if it detects drowsiness or distraction. It then will suggest you pull over to take a break until you’re refreshed.

Both models provide optional 3D monitoring systems. The Lexus GX’s 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor uses multiple cameras to offer a comprehensive view of the area around and underneath the vehicle. However, only the 3D Surround Camera in the Range Rover Sport includes ClearSight Ground View, which can see “through” the hood.