When it comes to full-size luxury SUVs that offer a combination of performance, off-road capabilities, and luxury features, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX stand as formidable options. Both vehicles are similar in many respects, given that Lexus is Toyota’s luxury vehicle division. However, there are key differences that set these two SUVs apart.
Appearance
With the re-introduction of the Land Cruiser to the North American market, people may notice that both of these vehicles have been redesigned for the 2024 year models. Their boxy new looks add an air of rugged independence, but they have different approaches to the off-road life that the Land Cruiser has lived for decades. While the Lexus gravitates more toward the high life, the Land Cruiser revels in its love of dirt.
Photo by TOYOTA
Powertrains and capability
2024 sees a power shakeup for the Land Cruiser with the introduction of the hybrid engine, the i-Force Max, which is the same engine as the 2024 Tacoma. It is a full-time 4WD and comes with a standard 2-speed transfer case.
On the other hand, the GX is equipped with the same engine as the Tundra, which makes it a towing monster in the upper models. It is also 4WD but has a 10-speed automatic transmission shifting the gears. The GX is slated to be outfitted with a hybrid in the future.
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I-4 Hybrid Turbo | 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 326 | 349 |
| Torque lb.-ft. | 465 | 479 |
| MPG | 27 – estimate | 17 – estimate |
| Towing Capacity Pounds | 6,000 | 8,000 Premium & Overtrail |
| Length/Width/Height | 194/84/73 | 197/83/76 (Overtrail) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 | 112.2 |
| Breakover Angle | 25 | 24 Overtrail |
Photo by TOYOTA
Features
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 passengers – 2 rows | 5 passengers – 2 rows standard 7 passengers – 3 rows –trim specific |
| Infotainment Screen | 8.0-inches / 12.3-inches upper trim level | 14.0-inch for all models |
| Speakers | 6 speaker system / 10 speakers in the higher levels / 14 speaker JBL premium package | 10 speaker / 21 speaker Mark Levinson premium package |
| USB Ports | 2 front / 2 rear | 4 in 2-row configurations / 6 in 3-row configurations |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Yes | Only in the upper trim levels or with the Premium package |
| Heads Up Display | Optional | Optional |
| Digital Rear View Mirror | Optional | Optional |
| Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 |
Luxury
When it comes to luxury, the Lexus outdoes the Land Cruiser, but that’s not to say that the Land Cruiser doesn’t have its fair share of luxurious amenities like leather seats and an optional 14-speaker JBL sound system. On the other side, even the carpet is more luxurious in the Lexus, and you can rock out to the 21-speaker Mark Levinson system as you drive. The Lexus is built with noise dampening so you won’t hear any road noises.
Off-road specs
The differences between the Land Cruiser and the GX are as follows:
Land Cruiser
Locking differential, off-road cruise control (CRAWL), 18-inch tires, and hill descent control. Upper-level trim packages include a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, forward cameras for obstacle sighting, and drive modes for different surfaces like sand, and there will be several upgrades and options that include skid plates, rock sliders, roof racks, and more. Its approach angle is 31 degrees, with a 25-degree breakover and 22-degree departure. The 1958 base model has an approach of 30 degrees.
GX
Torsen limited-slip differential and 4WD are the extent of the off-road standard equipment on the GX. If you move up to the Overtrail trim level, you get the off-road package that includes a locking rear differential, drive modes, CRAWL, interlinked hydraulic suspension, and trail turn assist. It has 18-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, three inches more than the Land Cruiser’s 30-inch tires. The GX has a 26-degree approach, with a departure between 21 and 26 degrees, depending on the trim level. The breakover angles are 23 in the upper-level grades and 24 in the Overtrail model. You can compare the specs on the Land Cruiser 100 here.
Photo by TOYOTA
Price
Toyota is pricing the 2024 Land Cruiser in the mid-$50,000 range but has not set prices for the other grades: the Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser First Edition. The consensus among those who watch the markets expects the other two models to be priced into the upper $65,000 range and higher.
Likewise, Lexus priced their upper levels in the $63,000 to $70,000 range but has not released a price tag for their Luxury 4WD model.
Availability
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2024 Lexus GX are slated to arrive early in 2024.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX: Charting the numbers
If you’re wondering about how the numbers work out, here is a breakdown of the essential specs:
Engine and Transmission
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L I-4 Hybrid Turbo | 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 326 | 349 |
| Torque lb.-ft. | 465 | 479 |
Photo by TOYOTA
Fuel and MPG
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| MPG | 27 – estimate | 17 – estimate |
| Fuel | Gas | Gas |
Dimensions and Measurement
Here are the dimensional differences between the Land Cruiser and the GX:
Exterior Dimensions
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length/Width/Height | 194 | 197 |
| Width | 84 | 83 |
| Height | 73 | 76 – Overtrail model |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 | 112.2 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 | TBD |
Interior Space
| Toyota Land Cruiser | Lexus GX 550 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 rows – 5 passengers | 5 passengers – 2 rows standard 7 passengers – 3 rows –trim specific |
| Cargo Capacity | TBD | TBD |
While there are no hard numbers available at the moment on space, it is worth noting that when there was a sneak peek at the Land Cruiser, viewers noticed cup holders, USB ports, and air vents in the cargo hold. This sparked much speculation about whether there would be a third seat. The Land Cruiser may be available with a third-row seat in other markets outside of the North American market.
Photo by TOYOTA
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX: Key Differences
Here are the key differences between the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus GX:
Toyota Land Cruiser
- Hybrid only
- Two rows and 5 passengers
- Standard 8.0-inch infotainment center
- Higher approach angle
- Lower expected starting price
Lexus GX
- Seats 5 or 7 passengers in 2 or 3 rows
- Towing capacity is higher
- Higher horsepower and torque
- Standard 14.0-inch infotainment center.
Until the first Land Cruiser arrives, it’s hard to predict how well these will sell with the diehard Land Cruiser fans, but it’s always nice to see Toyota give the Land Cruiser another parking spot in the North American garages.
