2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored a classic Land Rover look over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and a sharply chopped tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a range of options for different needs.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a more geometric styling, moving away from the softer, rounded corners of its predecessor. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive look. The GX's flat hood, with humps positioned above the front wheels, aided in off-road driving. The SUV's profile was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury models focused on opulence, while the Overtrail trims were geared towards off-roading, featuring larger all-terrain tires and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road features.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a formidable off-road vehicle, boasting incredible grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while the permanent 4WD ensured stability. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, the six-cylinder 18/23/20, and the four-cylinder 17/20/18.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GX's GA-F truck platform provided a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured off-road capability. The Overtrail trims featured a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which improved wheel articulation and stability. During testing, the GX demonstrated impressive acceleration and braking, with a composed on-road demeanor despite its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled as an everyday SUV, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row for up to eight seats. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 provided 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender also offered a range of features, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and various accessories for outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The first and second rows offered ample space for adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were quick and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and navigation. Heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors were standard, while higher trims offered additional features like a Meridian stereo, air suspension, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service included an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking, unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial three-year trial were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all models. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While the GX had not yet been crash-tested by U.S. organizations, its modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.