Here's How the Lexus LX600 and Land Cruiser Stack Up
Are U.S. customers missing out on anything now that the Land Cruiser is gone?
Head to Head
While we here in the U.S. were blessed with a brand new Lexus LX - the LX600 - for the 2022 model year, it's also a bit of a somber occasion, as the beloved Toyota Land Cruiser has also been discontinued in America. However, an all-new Land Cruiser has launched in other parts of the world at the same time. Now, Wheels has gotten the chance to drive both, and recently compared the two in a very interesting head-to-head to give us an idea of what, if anything, we're missing out on.
Photos: Lexus
Big SUVs, Big Money
The biggest difference between these two models, aside from styling cues, is the price - the cheapest new Land Cruiser comes in at $89,990 AUS, versus the LX600 at $148,800. Thus, this comparison attempts to even the playing field by pitting the pricey ($138,790) Land Cruiser Sahara LX and the $169,300 LX 600 Sports Luxury against each other.
Photos: Toyota
Powertrains
This particular Land Cruiser is equipped with the new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel, which produces 227kW and 700Nm, while the 3.5-liter gas V6 in the LX makes 305kW and 650Nm, albeit with worse fuel economy figures. Wheels notes that the diesel Toyota has plenty of power yet still clatters a bit, while the Lexus features impressive acceleration and a smooth delivery of power.
Photos: Lexus
Cabin Upgrade
Inside the cabin, both of these vehicles are spacious and luxurious, and as one might imagine, look fairly similar. As is usually the case, the LX is a bit more luxurious, however, with comfortable seating and a premium feel with extra options including a third digital screen and sharper, more intuitive controls.
Photos: Toyota
Other Differences
The same trickles down to other features inside the cabin, as the Toyota makes do with a JBL sound system and an old-fashioned CD player, while the Lexus gets a premium Mark Levinson audio system that's one of the very best in any new vehicle, along with other niceties such as a digital rear-view mirror and a 360-degree camera.
Photos: Lexus
Ride and Handling
In terms of driving experience, there are some differences to note as well. The Land Cruiser actually proved to be the sportier handler, while the Lexus is a bit cushier. The Toyota is also lighter, which helps in that regard, though the LX has more sensitive steering that helps make up some of the difference.
Photos: Toyota
Winner?
Ultimately, these two vehicles carry on a tradition that has existed for some time now, with the Land Cruiser representing a more utilitarian, off-road-focused, and less luxurious version of its Lexus twin. The LX wins this particular comparison thanks to its better on-road manners, however, though those looking for a less luxurious alternative would have a hard time spending nearly twice as much over a base Land Cruiser for that privilege.
Photos: Lexus
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