Infiniti QX70 3.7 vs Lvs Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 vs Lexus RX200t
20 Jan 2016|31,639 views
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are the new family sedans aimed directly at millennials and they are booming for several reasons. They offer a combination of desired features that other vehicle types can't quite match - such as a higher seating position and ground clearance, a more pliant ride, interior space for both passengers and cargo, a flood of innovative new styles, four-wheel drive and the general idea that bigger is better.
In place of the many luxury sedans that once ruled our roads are cars like the Infiniti QX70 3.7 Premium and the Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE - and they seem to have made it their mission to stay. Joining the ranks of these luxury-laden four-wheel drives is the all new Lexus RX200t 2.0 Luxury - dressed to the teeth and now powered for the first time by a turbocharged engine.
All three cars offer buyers a unique, sporty proposition and there leaves only one way to find out which of them, would a millennial want to own for the next decade.
The new RX adopts the brand's aggressive design language
Exterior
The QX70's muscular arches, long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupe-like roofline sets it apart from the crowd and manages to subtly draw your attention to its performance underpinnings - and it does so without coming across as churlish. Inevitably turning necks, it commands a distinguished presence on the road wherever it goes.
In place of the many luxury sedans that once ruled our roads are cars like the Infiniti QX70 3.7 Premium and the Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE - and they seem to have made it their mission to stay. Joining the ranks of these luxury-laden four-wheel drives is the all new Lexus RX200t 2.0 Luxury - dressed to the teeth and now powered for the first time by a turbocharged engine.
All three cars offer buyers a unique, sporty proposition and there leaves only one way to find out which of them, would a millennial want to own for the next decade.
Exterior
The QX70's muscular arches, long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupe-like roofline sets it apart from the crowd and manages to subtly draw your attention to its performance underpinnings - and it does so without coming across as churlish. Inevitably turning necks, it commands a distinguished presence on the road wherever it goes.
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In a more understated fashion - the Discovery Sport's creatively proportioned architecture fuses a bold and progressive style with space - in a way that no other model in this class can. The elegantly athletic Discovery Sport is a timeless beauty - one that both millennials and the generations before them can appreciate.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the RX200t. The once chummy-looking family hauler has now been completely transformed into a threatening trooper - with a face that is comprised of diamond-sharp lines and a massive spindle grille. However, as interesting as it seems, we're not too sure how well previous RX owners will take to this new composition.
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Interior
We're often brought up to not judge books by their covers but the stories as told by the exteriors of these three cars are largely similar to the contents on the inside.
Infiniti's signature 'double-wave' instrument panel and driver-oriented command centre in the QX70 feels plush and well-appointed, all wrapped in rich, natural materials such as the Black Quartz interior trims. And just like its exterior proportions, the big and bulgy leather-appointed seats supply you with tons of comfort and grip. The front seats are also available with a climate-controlled function for maximum comfort on hot and sunny drives.
Luxuries aside, the QX70 will comfortably sit five adults and the capacity to hold four full-sized golf bags for weekend retreats up North.
An extra bench for kids in the back of the Discovery Sport
With an extended wheelbase and some dexterous British engineering, Land Rover has managed to squeeze an optional third row into the compact-looking Discovery Sport and this feature will definitely come in handy for bigger families.
We're often brought up to not judge books by their covers but the stories as told by the exteriors of these three cars are largely similar to the contents on the inside.
Infiniti's signature 'double-wave' instrument panel and driver-oriented command centre in the QX70 feels plush and well-appointed, all wrapped in rich, natural materials such as the Black Quartz interior trims. And just like its exterior proportions, the big and bulgy leather-appointed seats supply you with tons of comfort and grip. The front seats are also available with a climate-controlled function for maximum comfort on hot and sunny drives.
Luxuries aside, the QX70 will comfortably sit five adults and the capacity to hold four full-sized golf bags for weekend retreats up North.
With an extended wheelbase and some dexterous British engineering, Land Rover has managed to squeeze an optional third row into the compact-looking Discovery Sport and this feature will definitely come in handy for bigger families.
Along with the clean, simple and functional cabin design is a clear elevated view of the road ahead, thanks to Land Rover's raised Sports Command Driving Position.
Practicalities are aplenty as well - full leather interior, a panoramic glass roof, navigation, keyless entry and a rear view camera. Also, the Discovery Sport comes equipped with four USB charging ports to ensure that all mobile devices stay charged on the go.
The RX's lavish cabin is crafted with only the best materials
Qualities are kicked up a couple of notches in the RX. At the heart of the dash is a 12.3-inch Lexus Electro Multi Vision Display (EMV) that offers an outstandingly easy-to-use and intuitive control interface.
Almost every panel and button that your skin comes into contact with is exceptionally well-crafted and perfectly fitted but such finishes are expected in any Lexus.
Similar to the QX70, front occupants will be enjoying cool air on their backs and bottoms from the ventilated seats. Three full-sized adults in the rear will also enjoy sufficient head, leg and shoulder room, thanks to the RX's generous width and wheelbase.
Practicalities are aplenty as well - full leather interior, a panoramic glass roof, navigation, keyless entry and a rear view camera. Also, the Discovery Sport comes equipped with four USB charging ports to ensure that all mobile devices stay charged on the go.
Qualities are kicked up a couple of notches in the RX. At the heart of the dash is a 12.3-inch Lexus Electro Multi Vision Display (EMV) that offers an outstandingly easy-to-use and intuitive control interface.
Almost every panel and button that your skin comes into contact with is exceptionally well-crafted and perfectly fitted but such finishes are expected in any Lexus.
Similar to the QX70, front occupants will be enjoying cool air on their backs and bottoms from the ventilated seats. Three full-sized adults in the rear will also enjoy sufficient head, leg and shoulder room, thanks to the RX's generous width and wheelbase.
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The Drive
Although a gratifying driving experience may not be of utmost importance to someone who purchases cars as such - these three managed to slap quite a smile across our faces during our time spent behind their wheels.
The only non-turbocharged car in this comparison is actually the fastest of the lot. Thanks to its mighty 329bhp and 360Nm of torque from a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 motor, the QX70 races from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. When worked, the V6 charms with a resounding growl that just makes you want to drive it fast.
This 'muscle car' doesn't just perform in a straight line either. The QX70 is just as well-planted on the move, especially when engaging bends at highway speeds. Coupled with a well-weighted and precise steering, the QX70 seems to like being driven hard despite its size. This does trade off a substantial bit of cruising enjoyment, when imperfections on the road are reflected slightly in the cabin.
Power output in descending order from the left (Infiniti QX70) to right (Lexus RX200t)
While it did well in areas like practicality and styling - things are a little less rewarding on the road with the Discovery Sport. It comes in second in terms of acceleration and its 237bhp and 340Nm of torque may not win you many traffic light drag races but those figures are more than enough to haul this compact Rover around.
The nine-speed ZF automatic transmission that the engine is paired with showed slight hints of hesitation during downshifts and the wee bit of turbo lag wasn't helping either. That's not to claim that the Discovery Sport was a bad drive but there is room for improvement in smoothness of power delivery.
Its saving grace is its ability to manage quick directional changes. Steering feel is sturdy even at low speeds and it also behaves in a very linear manner - making it easy to place the car on the road albeit a little artificial when compared to the QX70.
Although a gratifying driving experience may not be of utmost importance to someone who purchases cars as such - these three managed to slap quite a smile across our faces during our time spent behind their wheels.
The only non-turbocharged car in this comparison is actually the fastest of the lot. Thanks to its mighty 329bhp and 360Nm of torque from a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 motor, the QX70 races from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. When worked, the V6 charms with a resounding growl that just makes you want to drive it fast.
This 'muscle car' doesn't just perform in a straight line either. The QX70 is just as well-planted on the move, especially when engaging bends at highway speeds. Coupled with a well-weighted and precise steering, the QX70 seems to like being driven hard despite its size. This does trade off a substantial bit of cruising enjoyment, when imperfections on the road are reflected slightly in the cabin.
While it did well in areas like practicality and styling - things are a little less rewarding on the road with the Discovery Sport. It comes in second in terms of acceleration and its 237bhp and 340Nm of torque may not win you many traffic light drag races but those figures are more than enough to haul this compact Rover around.
The nine-speed ZF automatic transmission that the engine is paired with showed slight hints of hesitation during downshifts and the wee bit of turbo lag wasn't helping either. That's not to claim that the Discovery Sport was a bad drive but there is room for improvement in smoothness of power delivery.
Its saving grace is its ability to manage quick directional changes. Steering feel is sturdy even at low speeds and it also behaves in a very linear manner - making it easy to place the car on the road albeit a little artificial when compared to the QX70.
The focus of the driving experience in the RX200t is an entirely different affair. Instead of the urge to drive like a teenager and see how well the car responds like in the QX70 and the Discovery Sport - the Lexus makes you want to take things slower and enjoy the comfort and serenity it provides.
Although its 0-100km/h timing of 9.5 seconds is the slowest of the bunch, the RX200t makes up for its lack of haste with an extremely smooth powertrain. The 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant may generate a humble 234bhp and 350Nm of torque but it does so in the sort of linear fashion that is associated with naturally aspirated engines.
With its large 20-inch rims, the QX70 rides pretty firm for a luxury SUV, but that may appeal to more spirited drivers
The superbly silky and remarkably responsive six-speed automatic gearbox has to take the credit for this. Regardless of the driving mode you select, you'll never find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
More importantly, it boasts the levels of comfort and refinement at cruising speeds that the QX70 and Discovery Sport can't match. There is barely any wind or road noise and all road undulations are absorbed without fuss.
Conclusion
Deciding a definite winner in this comparison was as tough a call as picking the odd card in a three card trick because each of these cars had their own unique personality and strengths - to pick one over the others would simply be inequitable.
The Infiniti QX70 offers an unadulterated driving experience, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is desirable for its timeless appeal and practicality while the Lexus RX200t is a car fit for a king. Each one of them is a winner in their own right - it only depends on who's driving and who's judging.
Whatever your needs and wants are in a high-riding all-wheel drive vehicle, you will find them fulfilled by these three cars. Yes, even for frivolous millennials like myself.
Although its 0-100km/h timing of 9.5 seconds is the slowest of the bunch, the RX200t makes up for its lack of haste with an extremely smooth powertrain. The 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant may generate a humble 234bhp and 350Nm of torque but it does so in the sort of linear fashion that is associated with naturally aspirated engines.
The superbly silky and remarkably responsive six-speed automatic gearbox has to take the credit for this. Regardless of the driving mode you select, you'll never find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
More importantly, it boasts the levels of comfort and refinement at cruising speeds that the QX70 and Discovery Sport can't match. There is barely any wind or road noise and all road undulations are absorbed without fuss.
Conclusion
Deciding a definite winner in this comparison was as tough a call as picking the odd card in a three card trick because each of these cars had their own unique personality and strengths - to pick one over the others would simply be inequitable.
The Infiniti QX70 offers an unadulterated driving experience, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is desirable for its timeless appeal and practicality while the Lexus RX200t is a car fit for a king. Each one of them is a winner in their own right - it only depends on who's driving and who's judging.
Whatever your needs and wants are in a high-riding all-wheel drive vehicle, you will find them fulfilled by these three cars. Yes, even for frivolous millennials like myself.
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are the new family sedans aimed directly at millennials and they are booming for several reasons. They offer a combination of desired features that other vehicle types can't quite match - such as a higher seating position and ground clearance, a more pliant ride, interior space for both passengers and cargo, a flood of innovative new styles, four-wheel drive and the general idea that bigger is better.
In place of the many luxury sedans that once ruled our roads are cars like the Infiniti QX70 3.7 Premium and the Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE - and they seem to have made it their mission to stay. Joining the ranks of these luxury-laden four-wheel drives is the all new Lexus RX200t 2.0 Luxury - dressed to the teeth and now powered for the first time by a turbocharged engine.
All three cars offer buyers a unique, sporty proposition and there leaves only one way to find out which of them, would a millennial want to own for the next decade.Exterior
The QX70's muscular arches, long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupe-like roofline sets it apart from the crowd and manages to subtly draw your attention to its performance underpinnings - and it does so without coming across as churlish. Inevitably turning necks, it commands a distinguished presence on the road wherever it goes.
In place of the many luxury sedans that once ruled our roads are cars like the Infiniti QX70 3.7 Premium and the Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE - and they seem to have made it their mission to stay. Joining the ranks of these luxury-laden four-wheel drives is the all new Lexus RX200t 2.0 Luxury - dressed to the teeth and now powered for the first time by a turbocharged engine.
All three cars offer buyers a unique, sporty proposition and there leaves only one way to find out which of them, would a millennial want to own for the next decade.Exterior
The QX70's muscular arches, long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupe-like roofline sets it apart from the crowd and manages to subtly draw your attention to its performance underpinnings - and it does so without coming across as churlish. Inevitably turning necks, it commands a distinguished presence on the road wherever it goes.
In a more understated fashion - the Discovery Sport's creatively proportioned architecture fuses a bold and progressive style with space - in a way that no other model in this class can. The elegantly athletic Discovery Sport is a timeless beauty - one that both millennials and the generations before them can appreciate.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the RX200t. The once chummy-looking family hauler has now been completely transformed into a threatening trooper - with a face that is comprised of diamond-sharp lines and a massive spindle grille. However, as interesting as it seems, we're not too sure how well previous RX owners will take to this new composition.
Interior
We're often brought up to not judge books by their covers but the stories as told by the exteriors of these three cars are largely similar to the contents on the inside.
Infiniti's signature 'double-wave' instrument panel
and driver-oriented command centre in the QX70 feels plush and well-appointed, all wrapped in rich, natural materials such as the Black Quartz interior trims. And just like its exterior proportions, the big and bulgy leather-appointed seats supply you with tons of comfort and grip. The front seats are also available with a climate-controlled function for maximum comfort on hot and sunny drives.
Luxuries aside, the QX70 will comfortably sit five adults and the capacity to hold four full-sized golf bags for weekend retreats up North.
With an extended wheelbase and some dexterous British engineering, Land Rover has managed to squeeze an optional third row into the compact-looking Discovery Sport and this feature will definitely come in handy for bigger families.
We're often brought up to not judge books by their covers but the stories as told by the exteriors of these three cars are largely similar to the contents on the inside.
Infiniti's signature 'double-wave' instrument panel
and driver-oriented command centre in the QX70 feels plush and well-appointed, all wrapped in rich, natural materials such as the Black Quartz interior trims. And just like its exterior proportions, the big and bulgy leather-appointed seats supply you with tons of comfort and grip. The front seats are also available with a climate-controlled function for maximum comfort on hot and sunny drives.
Luxuries aside, the QX70 will comfortably sit five adults and the capacity to hold four full-sized golf bags for weekend retreats up North.
With an extended wheelbase and some dexterous British engineering, Land Rover has managed to squeeze an optional third row into the compact-looking Discovery Sport and this feature will definitely come in handy for bigger families.
Along with the clean, simple and functional cabin design is a clear elevated view of the road ahead, thanks to Land Rover's raised Sports Command Driving Position.
Practicalities are aplenty as well - full leather interior, a panoramic glass roof, navigation, keyless entry and a rear view camera. Also, the Discovery Sport comes equipped with four USB charging ports to ensure that all mobile devices stay charged on the go.
Qualities are kicked up a couple of notches in the RX. At the heart of the dash is a 12.3-inch Lexus Electro Multi Vision Display (EMV) that offers an outstandingly easy-to-use and intuitive control interface.
Almost every panel and button that your skin comes into contact with is exceptionally well-crafted and perfectly fitted but such finishes are expected in any Lexus.
Similar to the QX70, front occupants will be enjoying cool air on their backs and bottoms from the ventilated seats. Three full-sized adults in the rear will also enjoy sufficient head, leg and shoulder room, thanks to the RX's generous width and wheelbase.
Practicalities are aplenty as well - full leather interior, a panoramic glass roof, navigation, keyless entry and a rear view camera. Also, the Discovery Sport comes equipped with four USB charging ports to ensure that all mobile devices stay charged on the go.
Qualities are kicked up a couple of notches in the RX. At the heart of the dash is a 12.3-inch Lexus Electro Multi Vision Display (EMV) that offers an outstandingly easy-to-use and intuitive control interface.
Almost every panel and button that your skin comes into contact with is exceptionally well-crafted and perfectly fitted but such finishes are expected in any Lexus.
Similar to the QX70, front occupants will be enjoying cool air on their backs and bottoms from the ventilated seats. Three full-sized adults in the rear will also enjoy sufficient head, leg and shoulder room, thanks to the RX's generous width and wheelbase.
The Drive
Although a gratifying driving experience may not be of utmost importance to someone who purchases cars as such - these three managed to slap quite a smile across our faces during our time spent behind their wheels.
The only non-turbocharged car in this comparison is actually the fastest of the lot. Thanks to its mighty 329bhp and 360Nm of torque from a naturally aspirated 3.7-litre V6 motor, the QX70 races from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. When worked, the V6 charms with a resounding growl that just makes you want to drive it fast.
This 'muscle car' doesn't just perform in a straight line either. The QX70 is just as well-planted on the move, especially when engaging bends at highway speeds. Coupled with a well-weighted and precise steering, the QX70 seems to like being driven hard despite its size. This does trade off a substantial bit of cruising enjoyment, when imperfections on the road are reflected slightly in the cabin.
While it did well in areas like practicality and styling - things are a little less rewarding on the road with the Discovery Sport. It comes in second in terms of acceleration and its 237bhp and 340Nm of torque may not win you many traffic light drag races but those figures are more than enough to haul this compact Rover around.
The nine-speed ZF automatic transmission that the engine is paired with showed slight hints of hesitation during downshifts and the wee bit of turbo lag wasn't helping either. That's not to claim that the Discovery Sport was a bad drive but there is room for improvement in smoothness of power delivery.
Its saving grace is its ability to manage quick directional changes. Steering feel is sturdy even at low speeds and it also behaves in a very linear manner - making it easy to place the car on the road albeit a little artificial when compared to the QX70.
The focus of the driving experience in the RX200t is an entirely different affair. Instead of the urge to drive like a teenager and see how well the car responds like in the QX70 and the Discovery Sport - the Lexus makes you want to take things slower and enjoy the comfort and serenity it provides.
Although its 0-100km/h timing of 9.5 seconds is the slowest of the bunch, the RX200t makes up for its lack of haste with an extremely smooth powertrain. The 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant may generate a humble 234bhp and 350Nm of torque but it does so in the sort of linear fashion that is associated with naturally aspirated engines.
The superbly silky and remarkably responsive six-speed automatic gearbox has to take the credit for this. Regardless of the driving mode you select, you'll never find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
More importantly, it boasts the levels of comfort and refinement at cruising speeds that the QX70 and Discovery Sport can't match. There is barely any wind or road noise and all road undulations are absorbed without fuss.
Conclusion
Deciding a definite winner in this comparison was as tough a call as picking the odd card in a three card trick because each of these cars had their own unique personality and strengths - to pick one over the others would simply be inequitable.
The Infiniti QX70 offers an unadulterated driving experience, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is desirable for its timeless appeal and practicality while the Lexus RX200t is a car fit for a king. Each one of them is a winner in their own right - it only depends on who's driving and who's judging.
Whatever your needs and wants are in a high-riding all-wheel drive vehicle, you will find them fulfilled by these three cars. Yes, even for frivolous millennials like myself.
Although its 0-100km/h timing of 9.5 seconds is the slowest of the bunch, the RX200t makes up for its lack of haste with an extremely smooth powertrain. The 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant may generate a humble 234bhp and 350Nm of torque but it does so in the sort of linear fashion that is associated with naturally aspirated engines.
The superbly silky and remarkably responsive six-speed automatic gearbox has to take the credit for this. Regardless of the driving mode you select, you'll never find yourself in the wrong gear at any point in time.
More importantly, it boasts the levels of comfort and refinement at cruising speeds that the QX70 and Discovery Sport can't match. There is barely any wind or road noise and all road undulations are absorbed without fuss.
Conclusion
Deciding a definite winner in this comparison was as tough a call as picking the odd card in a three card trick because each of these cars had their own unique personality and strengths - to pick one over the others would simply be inequitable.
The Infiniti QX70 offers an unadulterated driving experience, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is desirable for its timeless appeal and practicality while the Lexus RX200t is a car fit for a king. Each one of them is a winner in their own right - it only depends on who's driving and who's judging.
Whatever your needs and wants are in a high-riding all-wheel drive vehicle, you will find them fulfilled by these three cars. Yes, even for frivolous millennials like myself.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
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Car Information
Lexus RX 300
CAT B|Petrol|11.9km/L
Horsepower
174kW (234 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
9.5sec (0-100km /hr)
Infiniti QX70 3.7 Premium (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8.3km/L
Horsepower
245kW (329 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Infiniti QX70Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12km/L
Horsepower
177kW (237 bhp)
Torque
340 Nm
Acceleration
8.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Land Rover Discovery Sport
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