The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX SUVs share a foundation, are comparable in dimensions, utilize a similar all-time four-wheel-drive mechanism, and carve out a comparatively limited SUV segment focused as much on opulence as on off-road capabilities. However, this is not merely badge engineering. They feature distinct powertrains, provide varied optional features, and craft unique aesthetics.
These SUVs both utilize Toyota’s truck-based foundation that is also found in various models ranging from the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks to the Lexus LX and the soon-to-be-released Toyota 4Runner. Now available solely as a hybrid, the revitalized 2024 Land Cruiser is significantly different from its larger predecessor.
The overhauled 2024 Lexus GX offers a more approachable and off-road-capable SUV for Toyota’s luxury division, but it tends to be overshadowed by the bigger Lexus LX and the all-new Lexus TX three-row crossover SUV.
The number of SUV relatives within its extensive family almost appears Irish Catholic. However, the closest connections are the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX, at least until the 2025 Toyota 4Runner debuts late this year as the final of Toyota’s truck-based models to receive a redesign.
Here’s how the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX stack up against each other, along with how to best reconcile their differences based on what you seek from an adventure-ready SUV.
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX design
- Both SUVs possess robust, truck-like silhouettes
- If Lexus designed a truck, it would showcase the assertive façade of the GX
- The new Land Cruiser sets itself apart from its larger and pricier predecessor
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser an attractive SUV?
While it may not be confused with its larger, off-roading icon of a predecessor, it maintains a traditional SUV charm for a modern age. The trim levels recall Land Cruiser history, with the base 1958 model featuring round headlights and “Toyota” embossed across its flat black grille, while the mid-tier trim switches to rectangular headlights reminiscent of the 60-Series Land Cruiser from the 1980s. Vertical taillights flank a tailgate shielded by a spoiler extending from the flat roof, which can be ordered with a white top. Its flared fenders protrude, and it is 4.4 inches more narrow than its predecessor, alongside being 1.2 inches shorter in length.
Boxy robustness continues inside, with a rectangular, upright dashboard flanked by round vents, similar to the 1958’s headlights, and topped with a compact 8.0-inch touchscreen. The sidelights of the display are embellished with inexpensive slats that can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Additionally, buttons, toggles, and grab handles complete the retro aesthetic.
Is the Lexus GX an attractive SUV?
If Lexus were to create a truck, it would resemble the GX, characterized by its sizable side mirrors and colossal grille accentuated by rugged headlight housings. Such truck-like features mask the first complete redesign in 15 years, and its robust shape is amplified with bulging fenders and optional 33-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. It hardly resembles a Lexus at all.
The interior is less remarkable and presents a curious compromise between ruggedness and Lexus luxury. The modular dashboard is oriented similarly to the Land Cruiser’s, and all off-road controls are logically located in the console. Except for the 14.0-inch touchscreen, there are no luxury traits that validate the Lexus badge.
Advantage: Toyota Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX pricing, trims, specifications, and warranty
- The Land Cruiser is available in three trims, starting at $57,345
- The Lexus GX can be acquired in six variations, beginning at $64,250
- Top choices: Mid-grade Land Cruiser ($63,345); GX Premium+ ($70,350)
It’s a $7,000 dilemma, but the Lexus GX can be outfitted with much more lavish selections, for a price. If you seek a town-and-country facade for your overland vehicle, opt for the GX. Alternatively, the Land Cruiser remains more aligned with its primary purpose.
How much does a Toyota Land Cruiser cost?
The base Land Cruiser 1958 pays homage to the inaugural year of the Land Cruiser nearly 70 years ago, but Toyota outfits it with contemporary conveniences for a reasonable cost of approximately $58,000, inclusive of a $1,395 destination fee. Standard features comprise an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats that require manual adjustments. There’s a hint of retro charm, but we’d select the $64,000 mid-grade Land Cruiser model featuring power front seats that are heated and cooled, alongside the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen that fits seamlessly in its housing. It also includes a power tailgate and roof rails.
Consider avoiding the $76,345 First Edition Land Cruiser and its 14-speaker JBL audio system, a console-mounted cooler, a wireless smartphone charger, leather-trimmed seats, a head-up display, and a rear camera mirror. Off-road enhancements featured include a cargo basket, rock rails, and mud flaps.
What does the Toyota Land Cruiser warranty cover?
Land Cruiser owners benefit from a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and two complimentary years of scheduled maintenance. It’s a dilemma compared to the Lexus GX warranty package.
How much does a Lexus GX cost?
The base Lexus GX 550 Premium is better equipped than the Land Cruiser, which is anticipated, and it also comes with a higher price tag, as predicted. Priced around $65,000, the GX features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch touchscreen boasting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, a towing hitch, and synthetic leather seats that are power adjustable, heated, and cooled, along with 20-inch alloy rims.
The $5,000 Premium+ package incorporates power-folding third-row seating, a heated steering wheel, a wireless mobile charger, and the option for second-row captain’s chairs, which are not standard on any trim level.
We would avoid the GX Luxury+ priced at $81,250; for that amount, there are superior three-row SUVs with off-road capability, including the Grand Cherokee L and Land Rover Defender 130.
What warranty is offered with the Lexus GX?
The Lexus comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty as well as LexusCare, which covers the first and second scheduled maintenance services for the initial year or up to 10,000 miles.
Advantage: The Land Cruiser offers better value.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Lexus GX compared to Toyota Land Cruiser in terms of performance, specifications, and towing
- Every Land Cruiser is equipped with a hybrid 2.4-liter turbo-4 that generates 326 hp and 465 lb-ft
- Every Lexus GX is powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 that produces 349 hp and 479 lb-ft
- Both SUVs maintain full-time four-wheel drive and come with a 2-speed transfer case
- The Land Cruiser has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds
- The Lexus GX can haul up to 9,063 pounds
Forget about the V-8s; that phase has passed. However, turbochargers and hybrid systems associated with smaller displacement engines yield more torque than the preceding V-8s. Importantly, both models are genuine off-road vehicles, yet the Lexus GX requires the Overtrail trim to compete with the Land Cruiser’s capabilities. The GX is wider and longer, yielding narrow ground to the Land Cruiser. Given that it can tow 50% more than the reimagined Land Cruiser, combined with its more powerful twin-turbo V-6, the Lexus GX is deemed better suited for heavier-duty tasks and smoother everyday driving. Hence, determining which is superior relies on usage preferences.
How does the Toyota Land Cruiser perform?
The 2-speed transfer case delivers substantial low-end torque, and the Rock, Mud, Sand, and Auto driving modes modify the torque distribution based on the 4Hi or 4Lo configuration. Locking center and rear differentials combined with an electronically disconnecting front sway bar ensure reliable traction in difficult terrains and off-road maneuverability over logs and rocks. The ground clearance measures a standard 8.7 inches, and while the approach and departure angles are not as ample as in the previous model, they surpass those of the GX.
All these off-road features alongside the Land Cruiser’s boxy and upright design result in a daily driver that provides a commanding road view but handles like a buffalo on roller skates, despite its independent suspension. The turbo-4 hybrid produces abundant power and has a notable surge at launch, and the 8-speed automatic reacts quickly, though the Land Cruiser may begin to struggle on inclines when loaded with gear or passengers.
How does the Lexus GX perform?
The GX Overtrail shares the same off-road capabilities as the Land Cruiser, whereas other grades lack a disconnecting sway bar and rear differential. The Land Cruiser excels in off-road conditions.
The heavier, smoother GX performs more effectively on-road and while towing. The twin-turbo V-6 merges with a 10-speed automatic, enabling this large vehicle to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite being built on a truck frame, the GX feels lighter on its tires, and higher trims are equipped with adaptive dampers that mitigate some of its weight while cruising.
Advantage: Lexus GX.
Toyota Land Cruiser versus Lexus GX fuel efficiency
- The Land Cruiser is rated at 22 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined
- The GX is rated at 15/21/17 mpg
- Both 4WD variants demonstrate improved efficiency over their V-8 predecessors
Advantage: The hybrid system of the Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX dimensions and cargo area
- The compact Land Cruiser accommodates five passengers
- The larger Lexus GX can seat up to seven passengers
- Second-row captain’s chairs are an additional cost for the Lexus GX
Both vehicles are tall and offer ample passenger and cargo storage, yet they are oversized even among their counterparts. Regarding large SUVs, Lexus now presents three options, with the GX categorized as the rugged variant in contrast to the more luxurious LX and the newer TX, which is tailored for family-oriented three-row SUV buyers. Toyota complicates the large SUV category with six variants, listed here primarily by size rather than frame type: Highlander, Grand Highlander, Land Cruiser, 4Runner, and Sequoia. Here is a comparison of these two regarding internal space.
What is the size of the Lexus GX?
197.1 inches in length; 112.2-inch wheelbase; 78 inches in width; 75.4 inches in height
Cargo capacity in cubic feet behind the third row/second row/first row: 10.3/40.2/76.9
The rear seating area is compact, yet its adaptability and overall spaciousness provide it an advantage
The revamped GX features three rows of seating, including a second-row bench accommodating three passengers and two in the back that can fold 50:50. They are ideally stowed away, as the 32.0 inches of legroom combined with a raised floor causes knees to be at elbow height. In an emergency, it suffices for younger children. The front seats operate best, equipped with standard power adjustments and available massage options, though the controls are embedded in the touchscreen—requiring too many clicks. Captain’s chairs can replace the second-row bench, but they are optional across all trims and do not provide the same level of luxury compared to numerous other competitors. The seating surfaces are positioned near the rear axle, elevated higher than the front seats. With the third row flat, anticipate 40.2 cubic feet of storage; however, with the second row folded, it does not result in a level cargo space. Note that the power tailgate on most trims opens like a conventional tailgate, contrasting with the hinged design of the previous GX.
What is the size of the Toyota Land Cruiser?
- 193.8 inches in length; 112.2-inch wheelbase; 77.9 inches in width; 76.1 inches in height
- Cargo capacity behind the second row is 37.5 cubic feet
- Rear legroom and total passenger volume fall short
There exist superior options for passenger comfort and cargo space within Toyota’s broad selection of crossovers and SUVs, and the Lexus GX qualifies as one. The Land Cruiser has only two rows of seating. The rear seats are cramped, yet they feel more spacious than the declared 26.7 inches of rear legroom. The toe room is also lacking, and the seats fold down and tumble forward instead of sliding or employing any power functions. Up front, a spacious center console with deep compartments can give off a rugged feel, but it also highlights the narrowness of the new Land Cruiser. The front seats are sufficiently comfortable; however, power adjustments are not standard, and the manual adjustment feels outdated, while the cloth upholstery appears inadequate given the price. Cargo capacity is decent, but the elevated floor conceals the hybrid battery.
Advantage: Lexus GX.
Safety comparison: Lexus GX vs. Toyota Land Cruiser
Neither vehicle has undergone testing by the IIHS or the NHTSA
Both feature automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors
Available options include surround-view camera systems and head-up displays
Advantage: Tie.
Which is superior: Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus GX?
The Land Cruiser embraces the nostalgic off-road aesthetic that is currently in vogue, demonstrating its capability on rugged terrains. It costs approximately $7,000 less than the GX, and its ownership expenses should be lower due to its hybrid powertrain. This results in a TCC Rating of 6.4 out of 10 compared to 6.2 for the GX, with both ratings anticipated to improve after safety evaluations are concluded. (Learn more about our vehicle rating process.) However, the ratings do not convey the complete narrative. The GX is a more refined and robust vehicle on the road, boasting an outstanding tow rating and a third row that can be utilized to transport children’s friends to the lake house, along with the boat. The distinction lies in how one chooses to utilize it.
Champion: Toyota Land Cruiser.
Image Source: Ron Adar / Shutterstock
