2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with exclusive paint options, adding to its allure. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more suited for off-road adventures, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was marred by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, creating a visual link to other Land Rover models. Inside, the Defender felt more rugged and adventure-ready, with soft-touch materials enhancing its durability. Offered in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender catered to various needs, with trims like the S, X-Dynamic SE, and Carpathian Edition. Our test model, the Defender 110 S, featured the County visual package, adding vintage graphics and white wheels. Standard features included a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system, with options for premium leather and additional climate control.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, it offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, but its fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight, the GX handled predictably, with strong brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD capabilities.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Defender also offered two supercharged V8 options, with the P525 producing 518 hp. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, the Defender excelled in towing, with capacities up to 7,716 pounds. Its off-road prowess was impressive, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 enhancing its capabilities.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with USB-A. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was cramped, making it more of a two-row SUV. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality, with soft-touch materials and practical features like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row best suited for children. Cargo capacity depended on the model, with the Defender 130 providing up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet in its two-row configuration, while the Defender 90 provided up to 58.3 cubic feet.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its on- and off-road performance.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup complemented the Defender's utilitarian persona, with home buttons for easy navigation. The 10-speaker Meridian stereo system added to the refined yet practical interior.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety tech.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree parking camera system. While the lane-keeping assist was a bit touchy, it could be deactivated. Like the GX, the Defender had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.