2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, embracing a more geometric and aggressive design. The signature spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights that sat at the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The new design featured a more vertical front end, with a flat hood that rose above the front wheels, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness off-road. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline to enhance visibility. The GX was offered in six trim levels, with the Luxury models focusing on opulence and the Overtrail trims emphasizing off-road capabilities. Inside, the GX combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender exuded rugged appeal with its distinctive design. The Defender 110 was considered the sweet spot in terms of design, offering a balance between the stubby 90 and the visually heavy 130. The Defender X trim, tested in this comparison, featured upgraded interior materials and comprehensive off-roading technology. The test vehicle sported 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack added to its versatility. The interior of the Defender X was industrial yet purposeful, with premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric. Despite its rugged nature, the Defender's cabin was not traditionally luxurious but offered a practical and functional environment.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving more accessible. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential enhanced its off-road prowess. The Overtrail trims featured additional off-road hardware, including a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed on-road demeanor despite its size.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a mild-hybrid system, produced 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Defender offered robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender 130 X excelled in off-road scenarios, effortlessly tackling rutted trails. However, on-road performance was less engaging, with noticeable body motion and slow steering. The Defender's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, but the 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires limited its agility on twisty roads. Despite these limitations, the Defender cruised comfortably on highways, though wind noise was noticeable.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a minimalist and sophisticated interior design, with fewer physical buttons than its predecessor. Rotary knobs for climate control and physical buttons for off-roading features were retained. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, 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 tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position offered excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and large windows created an open and airy feel. The second-row captain's chairs, heated and ventilated, added comfort, while the third-row seat was roomy and supportive. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered to ease loading. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 15.3 cubic feet, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Drive Connect and Remote Connect services, with initial three-year trial subscriptions. 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 after the trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's performance had improved, with accurate voice command recognition and a more intuitive user experience. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system impressed, and additional features like a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant upgrades in safety features, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS instilled confidence in its safety offerings.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came with a suite of driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Defender's safety features operated smoothly and effectively.