2024 Lexus GX550 vs. 2024 Land Rover Defender 130

At times, you simply have to escape. It could be from the mundane routine, or it could be from society as a whole. However, it doesn't imply that you must endure harsh conditions. When looking for a capable and comfortable vehicle, an explorer may question if today's high-end SUVs can handle tough off-road terrain without damaging their bumpers.

Lexus is confident that the 2024 GX550 is indeed the right choice, as it enhances the rugged foundation of the updated Toyota Land Cruiser. The fact that this mid-size SUV is also adding an adventure-focused Overtrail version to its lineup indicates that it competes with the Land Rover Defender, a popular choice for upscale off-roading.

Just as with all recent GXs, Overtrail versions come equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring low range and a lockable Torsen center differential. Important figures consist of a respectable 349 horsepower, a substantial 479 pound-feet of torque, and a generous 9063-pound towing capacity on our Overtrail+ variant, which also provides luxuries like front seats with massage functionality.

Overtrails differ from the street-focused Premium and Luxury trims in that they can only have two rows, as opposed to six or seven seats. However, several tough enhancements are part of the package: slow-speed crawl control, downhill-assist control, different off-road drive modes, a terrain-monitoring system, a locking rear differential, and Lexus's latest Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which can independently disconnect front and rear anti-roll bars.

Overtrail models come equipped with adaptive dampers and 18-inch wheels fitted with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires. The Overtrail is priced at $69,250, which is $5,000 higher than the base GX550. The well-equipped Overtrail+ costs $77,250. The total cost of our example increased to $80,915 after adding a Mark Levinson stereo ($1140), a head-up display ($900), and some additional minor options. Not quite suitable for beaters.

Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound

Positives: Dominant performance off-road, highly sophisticated, spacious interior.

Negatives: Large dimensions, unresponsive throttle, and steering, complex interface.

Decision: Ability to go anywhere and luxury

The Defender 130 Outbound emphasizes the GX's adventurous feel and opts for seating for five instead of the standard three rows in the 130 model. The Outbound treatment is primarily a dark aesthetic upgrade, incorporating dark accents on both the interior and exterior, painted panels covering the rear side windows, and black 20-inch wheels fitted with Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac all-terrain tires that are similar in height to the Overtrail's Toyos.

A 3.0-liter inline-six engine with both supercharging and turbocharging delivers 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission by ZF, along with a four-wheel-drive system that operates full-time and includes a two-speed transfer case. Unlike the GX, which has coil springs and a solid rear axle on a body-on-frame, the Defender has unibody construction with independent suspension on both ends, supported by adjustable air springs, but lacks the ability to disconnect its anti-roll bars.

Additionally, it includes an electronically locking center differential and has a towing capacity of 8201 pounds. For $1250, the Off-Road pack includes a rear differential with electronic controls and torque vectoring through the brake. However, in contrast to the manual lockers of the Lexus, the lockers of the Rover are managed through the All Terrain Progress Control, Terrain Response 2, and additional electronic chassis systems included in the Towing Pack 2 ($1850).

Minor additional features increased the original $86,125 cost to $93,938, which is equivalent to one week's worth of Whoppers more than the cost of a Lexus in current currency. Equipped with our muck boots, we planned a journey to Drummond Island, a secluded destination without cell service located at the eastern end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Inhabited by approximately 1000 permanent residents and billions of mosquitoes as big as sparrows, Drummond Island features rugged wooded paths that are unforgiving to pseudo-off-roaders.

Interior of Land Rover Defender 130

Both testing machines appear high-quality and are most stylish when they are muddy. The GX can easily be confused with the Land Cruiser due to their similar two-box shapes, with the GX appearing rugged yet attractive. Lexus reduced the grille to a more appropriate size and the spacious greenhouse provides panoramic views in every direction.

The noticeable flapping of the hood while driving fast isn't very comforting, especially when combined with a metallic noise when closing the doors. The Rover's hood shakes slightly at high speeds, but not as much as before, and overall the 130 seems as sturdy as a piece of metal. With a length 14.6 inches longer and a wheelbase 6.8 inches longer than the sensibly proportioned GX, the larger vehicle is far less agile, more resembling a bus in size.

We didn't discover any functional purpose for the lockbox on the side and ladder on the roof of our example, yet the Defender appears both capable and costly. We hope that you can add some color to enhance the cabin of the Outbound trim. The dark interior provided a somber comparison to the tan and olive upholstery of the Lexus. The large blind spots in the rear quarter of the Defender made the interior feel even darker, prompting us to consider using the rubber floor mats as yoga pads for midday meditation.

Interior of Lexus GX550 Overtrail+

The Defender did not receive any praise for its awkward side-hinged rear cargo door, but its large storage space makes it a more suitable alternative to a box van compared to the GX. The comfortable heated and ventilated front seats in both cars were considered equally cozy, but the views of rear-seat comfort differed.

The Rover is the preferred spot for two or three passengers in the back seat because the Lexus lacks legroom and has a center console that takes up space on the floor, limiting foot space for a middle passenger. Although both SUVs have big, bright screens for infotainment and off-road information, you don't have to rely as much on the GX's simple touchscreen.

Using the physical controls on its center console is easier and more intuitive than navigating through the Land Rover's intricate onscreen menus. On the other hand, the Defender was commended for using materials that were more suitable for the price. The GX has low-quality plastics comparable to those found in Toyota vehicles.

Powertrain And How Well The Vehicle Performs

During startup, the straight-six engine of the Rover makes a diesel-like noise which becomes a deep growl as it revs up, steadily increasing its power in a consistent manner. The V-6 engine in the Lexus is a bit quieter at both low and high speeds, though it lacks the ability to impress with its rough, industrial sound that we never found appealing.

Both vehicles create a quiet 67 decibels of noise while traveling at 70 mph, but there is some audible noise coming from their large tires and boxy shapes. Although both vehicles have good performance on the road, their main focus is on enhancing traction and suspension movement. The GX outperforms in this aspect, with a ramp-travel-index score of 613 compared to the Defender's lower 331.

Final Verdict

Upon completing the trails, the balance between the GX550 and the Defender remained steadfast, resulting in similar scores. Both SUVs compensate for their drawbacks with corresponding advantages, ultimately arriving at similar destinations through distinct routes.