The 2024 Lexus GX finally brings the luxury off-roader up-to-date. And it does so in a boxy, rugged wrapper that makes comparisons to the 2024 Land Rover Defender, another luxury off-roader of similar size and capability. So we figured, let's make that comparison. We've looked at all the specifications available for the two SUVs to see how they stack up.
Engines and Transmissions
The GX keeps things simple under the hood with a single powertrain. It has a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid making 340 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That horsepower number only tops the Defender's four-cylinder engine, but the GX has the torque advantage even against the Defender's mighty V8 option. The GX's V6 is paired with a 10-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. Full fuel economy numbers haven't been given, but Toyota is expecting 17 mpg combined. Unfortunately, that fuel economy is worse than all the Defender powertrains except the V8.
As alluded to, the Defender is available with three main engines, an inline-four, inline-six and V8. The closest competitors to the GX will be the regular 110 four-door and the longer 130 four-door. The 110 can be had with the turbo 2.0L four-cylinder making 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque; the turbo mild-hybrid 3.0L six-cylinder making 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet; or the supercharged 5.0L V8 making 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet. The 130 gets two versions of the six-cylinder, one making 296 horsepower and 347 pound-feet and one making 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet. The V8 is also available but just with 493 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. All of the engines get an eight-speed automatic and full-time four-wheel drive. The four-cylinder 110 gets 18 mpg combined, the six gets 20 and the V8 manages just 16. Both 130 six-cylinder powertrains return 19 mpg combined, and the V8 doesn't have numbers yet.
Towing and Cargo
Towing capacity is pretty straightforward. The Lexus has a maximum capacity of 8,000 pounds, and the Land Rover tops it by 200 pounds more. Some trim levels of both SUVs have lower towing capacity, depending on the configuration.
It is available with up to three rows of seating and room for seven passengers. The 110 has similar seating available, and the 130 ups the ante with a three-across third row. And we've found that the 130's third row is genuinely usable by adults. The 110's official cargo numbers range from 35.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats up, to 70.4 with them folded, though we've found it's more spacious than the numbers say. As for the 130, it has 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, and space increases to 80.9 with all the seats down.
Suspension, Chassis and Off-Road Features
The new GX features the same body-on-frame platform as the Lexus LX, Toyota Sequoia and others. It also has double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear. Toyota didn't give any other specifics about the rear, so we're presuming it's still a live rear axle, similar to the Sequoia and Tundra. Lexus also skips any kind of air suspension for conventional suspension, and adaptive shocks as well as an electronically controlled version of Toyota's trick Kinetic Dynamic Suspension (sort of active anti-roll bars that can allow for additional articulation).
The Land Rover on the other hand has a unibody chassis and fully independent suspension. The base models have fixed, steel, coil-spring suspension, but air suspension with adjustable ride height and firmness is available on higher trims.
Design and Exterior Presence
Both the 2024 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender command attention with their distinct design philosophies, each reflecting a blend of modernity and rugged elegance.
Lexus GX: The 2024 Lexus GX maintains its reputation for a sophisticated and muscular exterior. The iconic spindle grille dominates the front fascia, the surrounded by the angular LED headlights that case to contribute to a commanding presence. The GX retains its boxy silhouette, and conveying a sense of the traditional and the SUV ruggedness. The side profile features prominent wheel arches, the emphasizing its off-road capabilities, and it can while the rear showcases a robust design with a full-size and the spare tire mounted on the tailgate.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender, and known for its timeless design, the strikes a balance between modernity and the heritage. The distinctive squared-off the shape pays homage to its predecessors, and some while the minimalist and the purposeful exterior design the elements convey a contemporary aesthetic. The Defender's recognizable round headlights and the Alpine windows contribute to its classic appeal. With its configurable body styles,and it including the iconic 110 and the compact 90, and the Defender offers a level of versatility that can be the caters to a diverse range of preferences.
Off-Road Prowess
Both the Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender are engineered to conquer challenging terrains, but their approaches to off-road prowess differ.
Lexus GX:The GX features a full-time four-wheel-drive system and an available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that enhances off-road performance by optimizing suspension articulation.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender is to be renowned for its off-road pedigree, and for inheriting the brand's legacy of the conquering challenging and the landscapes. ? The available Configurable Terrain Response allows drivers to fine-tune settings according to their preferences. The Defender's robust construction and the advanced off-road the technologies make it a formidable contender in the off-road arena.
Interior Comfort and Luxury
While both vehicles are designed to handle rugged off-road adventures, they also prioritize interior comfort and luxury for a refined driving experience.
Lexus GX: The Lexus GX boasts a plush and well-appointed interior with a focus on luxury. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, genuine wood trim, and metallic accents. The three-row seating configuration ensures ample space for passengers, and the available semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats elevate the sense of opulence. Technological features such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, premium audio, and advanced driver-assistance systems contribute to a comfortable and connected driving experience.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender's interior combines ruggedness with modern sophistication. The cabin is characterized by durable materials that can withstand outdoor adventures while providing a touch of luxury. The optional Windsor leather seats and configurable ambient lighting contribute to an upscale ambiance. The Defender's intuitive infotainment system features the Pivi Pro interface, providing seamless connectivity and navigation. With its optional third-row seating, the Defender offers flexibility for accommodating passengers or expanding cargo space.
Performance and Powertrains
The 2024 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender are equipped with capable powertrains designed to deliver a balance of performance and efficiency.
Lexus GX: The Lexus GX is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces robust horsepower and torque. The V8 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's full-time four-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in various driving conditions. While the V8 engine provides ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures, its fuel efficiency is relatively moderate.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender offers a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four-cylinder engines and mild-hybrid options. The available inline-six-cylinder engine, combined with a mild-hybrid system, delivers impressive power and efficiency. The Defender's eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes. The mild-hybrid technology contributes to improved fuel efficiency, making the Defender an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and environmental considerations.
Technology and Connectivity
Both vehicles come equipped with advanced technology features to enhance the driving experience, safety, and connectivity.
Lexus GX: The Lexus GX features a touchscreen infotainment system with a user-friendly interface. It includes smartphone integration, navigation, and a premium audio system. The GX also offers a suite of advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While the technology is robust, the GX's infotainment system may be considered less intuitive compared to some competitors.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender showcases the Pivi Pro infotainment system, which features a responsive touchscreen interface. The system supports smartphone integration, navigation, and a range of in-car apps. The Defender also includes advanced driver-assistance features such as emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a 3D surround-view camera system. The intuitive and modern infotainment system adds to the overall appeal of the Defender.
Price and Value
The pricing of the 2024 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender reflects their positioning in the premium SUV segment.
Lexus GX: The Lexus GX is positioned as a luxury SUV, and its pricing reflects the brand's commitment to providing a premium driving experience. While the GX offers a range of features and capabilities, its pricing may be considered on the higher side compared to some competitors in the market.
Land Rover Defender: The Land Rover Defender, known for its iconic status and advanced technologies, is positioned as a premium off-road SUV. The pricing of the Defender aligns with its positioning in the luxury segment. Despite its higher price point, the Defender offers a unique combination of off-road prowess, advanced features, and a distinguished heritage.
Conclusion
In the battle of titans between the 2024 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender, both vehicles bring a unique set of attributes to the table. The Lexus GX excels in providing a luxurious interior, a robust off-road capability, and the reliability associated with the Lexus brand. On the other hand, the Land Rover Defender combines a heritage-inspired design with cutting-edge technology, offering a versatile and capable off-road experience. The choice between the Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender ultimately depends on individual preferences, priorities, and driving needs. Enthusiasts seeking a refined and opulent off-road experience may lean towards the Lexus GX, while those drawn to the Defender's iconic design and advanced technologies may find it to be the ultimate choice. As these titans continue to vie for the attention of SUV enthusiasts, one thing remains certain – both the 2024 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender exemplify the pinnacle of luxury and off-road capability in the ever-competitive SUV landscape.
Without adjustable ride height, the Lexus can't change ground clearance or it's approach, departure and breakover angles. Lexus didn't give ground clearance, but it did give the other specs. The approach angle is 26 degrees on all versions. Breakover is 23 degrees on all but the Overtrail, which hits 24 degrees. The departure angle is 21 degrees on the top Luxury GXs, 22 on Overtrail, and 23 on the base Premium trims. Land Rover doesn't provide quite the exact same off-road angle measurements, but both the 110 and 130 beat the the GX on approach and departure angles with fixed suspension and at the default ride height with air suspension. The approach angle for both is between 30 and 31 degrees, and the standard departure angle for the 110 is nearly 38 degrees and 24.5 for the 130. As for off-road goodies, the GX is most capable in Overtrail guise. It fits 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires, an electronic locking rear differential, adjustable drive modes, surround-view cameras, hill descent control, Crawl Control (Toyota's off-road cruise control system) and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension. The Defender is available with many similar features such as adjustable drive modes, surround-view cameras, hill descent control, All-Terrain Progress Control (Land Rover's off-road cruise control) and Wade Sensing (a feature that detects how deep the vehicle is).