2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX: Which Is Right for You?

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.

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
• Starts at $55,950

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
• Starts at $64,250

Now, let’s debunk the differences between these two vehicles in detail.

Seating & Cargo Capacity

The key differentiator between the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX lies in their seating arrangements. Although both SUVs come standard with seating for five individuals, the Lexus GX provides the flexibility of an optional third row, allowing for a total of seven passengers. In contrast, the Land Cruiser in the United States is restricted to seating five people across two rows.

In terms of cargo capacity, the 2024 Land Cruiser falls short of the Lexus GX due to the presence of a hybrid battery stored in the rear of the vehicle. This design choice is likely a contributing factor to the absence of third-row seats in the 2024 Land Cruiser.

Photo by LEXUS

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 LEXUS

Photo by TOYOTA

Powertrains and capability

By examining the specifications listed below, you can easily identify significant differences in engine power, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. 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. This new engine delivers an estimated fuel efficiency of 27 MPG, a notable improvement compared to previous Land Cruiser models. Additionally, the engine 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. Another significant difference for the 2024 Land Cruiser is its towing capacity, which can reach up to 8,000 pounds.

Photo by TOYOTA

Photo by TOYOTA

Tech Features

Each trim level of both vehicles is equipped with distinct tech features. Notably, the GX stands out with luxurious elements, such as a 14.0-inch infotainment screen and a 10-speaker system, available across all trim levels. In contrast, the 2024 Land Cruiser series offers 8.0-inch/12.3-inch screens, depending on the trim level. The LX series seems to outshine the Land Cruiser series in this regard. Nevertheless, the Land Cruiser, in all configurations, includes a Wireless Charging Pad—a feature exclusively bundled with the Premium package in the GX.

Regarding optional features, both models offer the heads-up display and digital rear-view mirror. The Land Cruiser 2024 includes a wireless charging pad as standard, whereas it is available as an option for the Lexus GX.

Photo by LEXUS

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.

Photo by LEXUS

Off-road specs

The new models of both vehicles showcase enhancements in off-road features. Let’s examine the specific differences between the 2024 Land Cruiser and the GX:

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 22-degree departure and 25-degree breakover. 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 23 degrees, depending on the trim level. The breakover angles are 23 in the upper-level grades and 24 in the Overtrail model.

Photo by TOYOTA

Safety Features

In this aspect, 2024 Land Cruiser and GX are almost identical. The Land Cruiser is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, while the GX features Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Both these driver-assist and active safety suites comes with exactly the same features, including front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Photo by LEXUS

Photo by TOYOTA

Price

Toyota has set the pricing for both models in 2024. The Land Cruiser 2024 has a lower starting price compared to the GX series, starting at $55,950. Pricing varies across different trims, and additional options such as exterior/interior color choices, packages, and accessories can increase the overall cost.

• Land Cruiser 1958: $55,950
• Land Cruiser: $61,950
• First Edition: $74,950

*Pricing information as of May 2024. For more details, visit toyota.com.

Pricings for the GX is as charted below.

• GX 550 Premium: $64,250
• GX 550 Premium+: $69,250
• GX 550 Luxury: $77,250
• GX 550 Luxury+: $81,250
• GX 550 Overtrail: $69,250
• GX 550 Overtrail+: $77,250

Pricing information as of May 2024. For more details, visit lexus.com.

Availability

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2024 Lexus GX are slated to arrive early in 2024.

Photo by TOYOTA

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

Fuel and MPG

Dimensions and Measurement

Here are the dimensional differences between the Land Cruiser and the GX:

Exterior Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of each vehicle, including the overall length, width, and height, are remarkably similar and nearly identical to one another.

Interior Space

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.

Photo by TOYOTA