Here’s How the 2024 Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender Stack Up
Here's how the redesigned 2024 Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender compare in some important ways.
New Rival
Deliveries of the all-new 2024 Lexus GX are on the verge of commencing, and needless to say, there are more than a few excited fans out there waiting for that moment. The redesigned GX has thus far secured its fair share of love from consumers and critics alike, but it certainly won't be without competition in the off-road luxury SUV space. One of its chief rivals will be the Land Rover Defender, in fact, which is precisely why we thought now was a good time to take a closer look at how the two compare in some important ways.
Photo: Lexus
Powertrains
In terms of powertrains, the 2024 GX currently offers just one - the turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, which churns out 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque and its mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
As for the Land Rover Defender 110, customers can opt for one of three powertrains - a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 making 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter I-6 producing 395 combined horsepower and 406 pound-feet, and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that's rated to churn out 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of engine, all are mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Photo: Lexus
Off-Road Specs
Both the GX and Defender are quite famous for offering up plenty of off-road capability, and both feature their own array of tech and features that aid in that department. In terms of the GX Overtrail, that includes a rather trick adaptive variable suspension, an electronically controlled locking differential, 10.9 inches of ground clearance, 33-inch tires, and revised bumpers that result in a 26-degree approach angle, a 24-degree break over angle and a 22-degree departure angle.
Meanwhile, the Defender comes equipped with an air suspension that helps out tremendously in terms of providing owners with superior specs - a 37.5-degree approach angle, 27.8-degree breakover angle, 40-degree departure angle, and up to a maximum of 11.5 inches of ground clearance, in fact.
Photo: Lexus
Technology
Inside the cabin, the new GX features a rather large 14-inch infotainment screen along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, coupled with the typical things we expect from modern vehicles like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability and an optional wireless charging pad.
The Land Rover Defender 110 doesn't skimp on tech either, though it offers smaller 10- or 11.4-inch center screens, and a digital cluster to boot. Wireless third-party apps are also supported, and a wireless phone charger comes standard.
Photo: Land Rover
Interior Dimensions
Both the GX and Defender offer seating for up to seven, though it is worth noting that the Overtrail is only offered in a five-seat configuration, at least for now. In terms of cargo space, the GX does have more to offer, however - 76.9 cubic feet behind the first row with the seats folded down versus 69 for the Land Rover, as well as 40.2 cubic feet behind the second row compared to 34.6. The Land Rover does slightly edge out the GX in terms of space behind the third row, however - 10.7 cubic feet versus 10.3.
Photo: Lexus
Pricing
Then there's the matter of pricing, and that can vary quite a bit depending on what trim one opts for. The base GX 550 Premium starts out at $64,250, which is a bit more than the Defender S at $60,600. However, the top trim GX Overtrail+ has an MSRP of $77,250, while going for a Defender X can cost one at least $90,800, and the V8-powered model starts out at a whopping $111,500 - meaning that depending on how one specs it, the GX could certainly be far cheaper.
Photo: Land Rover
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