2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX's second generation continued with minor design tweaks, including the adoption of the hourglass grille design. This grille, while controversial on some Lexus models, suited the GX better than its larger sibling, the LX. The GX's interior, however, was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found refreshingly straightforward compared to modern touchscreens. The GX was available in three trims, with the base 460 trim offering a wealth of standard features, making it a practical choice for those who appreciated simplicity and capability.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser exuded a sense of nostalgia with its dated yet luxurious interior. The Heritage Edition celebrated the SUV's 65th anniversary with unique styling elements, but the standard model, with its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery, was the focus of this review. The Land Cruiser's exterior was adorned with chrome and large lights, giving it a somewhat outdated appearance. Inside, the mix of Toyota parts and Lexus design themes created a plush environment, complete with a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player. The Land Cruiser's interior was spacious, with premium leather seats and a four-zone climate control system, but its cargo space was limited compared to some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 offered a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet direct, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth ride. The GX excelled off-road, with a range of 4WD modes and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The engine was quiet, with most of its torque available at low RPMs, providing smooth acceleration. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like a Torsen limited-slip differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined ride, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected handling. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds, but its fuel economy was a modest 14.7 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats in higher trims, though accessing the third row was challenging for adults. With all seats folded, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather seats and a commanding driving position. The second-row bench seat was spacious, and the third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. The Land Cruiser offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area and a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system was outdated but straightforward, with a true touchscreen and large buttons for easy operation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might deter some tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was similarly dated, with a 9-inch touchscreen that required tapping rather than swiping. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was basic. The rear-seat entertainment system was also outdated, though the 14-speaker JBL audio system provided decent sound quality.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera, with excellent visibility thanks to large windows and mirrors.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, which might be a drawback for some buyers.