Comparison: Land Rover LR4 vs Lexus GX 460 vs Mercedes GL450

We head to Death Valley to find out which of these seven-passenger luxury SUVs is king.
Read the full story here: www.motortrend.com/roadtests/s...
Shot by: Jim Gleason & Duane Sempson
Edited by: Jim Gleason

[@Dumbo847]

you should test a 150k miles LR4 vs GX 460 vs GL450

[@koston777]

My 2011 LR4 with 120k miles (had it since 30k miles) still running strong with just regular maintenances. Im sure Lexus it top at high mileage but i donno about MBenz

[@osaruonamepeterjuniorigie2847]

LMAO

[@Captain-Awesome]

Currently own a 2014 LR4 that we bought at 48,000 miles and it’s still running strong at 125,000 with just regular maintenance.

[@happios]

zijun qu that 150k review would really just be a review of the Lexus gx460

[@geoffbob6267]

Have q 2008 GL450 with 144K, still running strong, had it since 5K.

[@ESB_Media]

The GX is essentially a Land Cruiser Prado used worldwide for remote expeditions. If you are going to do serious offroading in remote places (like Death Valley) I would recommend the GX. I love Rovers but their reliability is always questionable.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

I love it how the GL was considered too pricy at $68k back then. And these days you'll struggle to get a GLS for less than $100k 😂

[@Johnnytotal]

I loved it when they made the Lexus and the LR4 fly, thanks for testing them like that on road.

[@rjetta8v]

GX460 is the winner because it lasts longer and is just as capable.

[@akashpandiaraj4309]

your 100% correct

[@thabisomolokomme84]

Tandem Automotive it's not more capable than the LR4

[@alexstern3583]

Solid rear axle = better off road than the LR4 for sure

[@lisminircstudio974]

Gl last better on the big part

[@rachelmori4297]

Lr 4 the most unreliable 4wd

[@BunderaKZT]

That GX is the only one still on the road today, and drives like new.

[@JCE3000GT]

As a 2010 Lexus GX460 owner myself I can confirm this 100%. Fun fact, my 2008 Lexus GX470 also still drives new.

[@BunderaKZT]

@@JCE3000GT I own a 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GX sibling) and it too drives like new with 250k km.

[@93redcamaroz28]

I have a gl450 with 263,000 miles that would like to have a word.

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

When you have Toyota blinders on you can't see anything else, but there are LR4's everywhere and they are worth the same if not more than the GX

[@BunderaKZT]

How reliable is a Land rover Lr4? Overall the Land rover Lr4 reliability is 40.05 and that makes it not very reliable.

[@pikaigbinedion9062]

Is it only me watching this 10 years later

[@delewan]

This is interesting. I just bought a 2010 GX460 with 119K miles and it feels new. Not a single squeak, rattle, drip, leak, or wind noise. I paid good money for it but I'll never have to worry about it beyond normal servicing. Imagine the Landie at the same mileage....

[@zzzgarage2704]

Same for my 100k miles gx460, took it to the dealer after the purchase, they told the car only needs brake fluid change and oil change

[@alexsystems2001]

Wow 4:26 the GX caught air? Badass!

[@rangerover06sc]

the LR4 is a partial unibody with a separate frame in the rear, just like all pre-2011 Grand Cherokees. It also has a rear electronic differential lock while the lexus relies on brake traction control in the rear.

[@MachXX2]

Land Rover is maybe the only SUV company that never compromises towing ability, and offroading ability, no matter what luxuries they give them.

[@suavehouse5150]

It's 2017 now where is that LR4 standing now? In the recycling bin 😂 lol

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

its acually in my garage beat that

[@k.b.7424]

You are so wrong mate

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

@@k.b.7424How can I be wrong

[@k.b.7424]

Photography Australia Its very easy and common to be wrong. You havent proved you are right. And You are simply not right about the LR being in the bin. Its the best off-roader or at least not worse than LC, Gwagon etc. not by a single test.

[@FilmingAustralia1623]

@@k.b.7424 It is the best offroad car I have one

[@karimalameddine5092]

More footage please! Especially of the LR4 (-:

[@cervacio]

I have an LR3 and honestly it's very reliable. But I do admit some of the guys that I met in the workshop during routine service complaint a lot about discovery's reliability. If I have the money I'd buy LR4 in a heartbeat. I hope Land Rover finds a way to better their production quality thus increasing reliability and decreasing maintenance costs. If they can, Disco would be the top 4x4 in the market....

[@liviewildrock1]

signing for my LR4 tomorrow. Can't wait to test its abilities

[@gggromay]

What about reliability/quality? I hate how they never mention this in any comparison... In JD Power's 2014 dependability survey, from all car brands, Lexus is at number 1 spot, not only that, but of all the survey it has the biggest margin over the next spot, 2nd, which is Mercedes. And Land Rover is at the very bottom being 3rd from last, one of the most unreliable brands, which cant be good if you are alone in the middle of the desert... Hmmm

[@mahmutmsl0bjk523]

like gl 450

[@fredbrackely]

Because if you have this money, you don't give a S. By the way- little fact GRRB, the LR4 has exactly the same dependability rating of the Land Cruiser 200 (Edmunds) enjoy eating your crow.

[@naeemiqbalmogra7954]

Lexus is way cheaper to maintain and reliable! No sensor problems like other suv's!

[@ctanase]

they are a bunch of idiot reviewers with no regard for $$$

[@viestaviesta7210]

@Steffan M haha...that's why..

[@EstorilEm]

Haha thanks masonr, yup got a Discovery II and just sold my mustang and picked up a range rover sport yesterday. My friend has 3 also.. 21yo range rover, DII, LR3. They're quite addicting!

[@EstorilEm]

Awesome review, and sums up Land Rovers' philosophy perfectly.. there will always be a trade-off for vehicles with this type of capability, but Motor Trend is brave enough to state what only Land Rover owners really know; despite the few negatives and its' dismal fuel economy.... you won't care. There's something about the feeling you get when you climb into a vehicle you KNOW will get you anywhere.. through anything.. every time. It's a priceless feeling, and one which is worth every penny.

[@BearwoodBrown]

Ive heard you can get somewhere around 28 mpg with and LR4 with the turbo diesel , not sure if its available in the US

[@MYSTERYl4p]

The GX is not a rebadged land cruiser, its based off the land cruisier prado which is a 4runner chasis!

[@freethinker1413]

Toyota/lexus wins. The GX version of the Toyota Prado is going to run and 4x4 for ever!! Their resale value is amazing because its demand world wide is so strong. Yes the Land Rover is amazing and a great offroader, but when it hits 70K miles or so it will become trash. The suspension lift system will crumble, transmission and engine will start to give trouble too. The Lexus is the clear Rolex of the true body on frame 4x4 trucks.

[@IoriTatsuguchi]

Except it’s more like Seiko than Rolex

[@IoriTatsuguchi]

@Kendall Holt I can't tell the difference you are trying to draw in between Seiko and Citizen.

[@Captain-Awesome]

Not sure where you got your information from but your 100% incorrect.

[@kristians2704]

Toyota/Lexus ONLY wins in reliability.

[@honeybadger5164]

I have both an 80 series Land Cruiser 240,000 miles and the wife drives a GX 470 with 190,000 both have never let us down bet the non-land rover and the Benz will never be able to boost numbers like that.

[@93redcamaroz28]

My gl 450 has 263,000 miles...

[@kristians2704]

yeah we all know that Toyotas are reliable but that’s about all that’s going for them

[@DonTheCavalier]

I have owner the LR3 and LR4.. and I was very impressed by the LR3 5 years ago. Howver, the LR3 had some quality issues. When the lease was up, I was not set on another Land Rover. I looked at the BMW X5, Lexus GX, Mercedes GL and the new LR4. What I found was that of the bunch, we still love it best. The LR4 was SO different from the LR3. I wound up buying it and love it WAY more than the LR3. And no quality issues with this one at all. BTW, I did offroad my LR3, and plan to with this one too.

[@megaflex48]

i have a ml 350 mercedes. i live in chicago, it's good in the winters we get so i'm happy.

[@OUTBACK4shore]

Will have to agree guys. LR4 way infront. We have been putting one through it's paces on a couple of trips in Australia. Flawless

[@Kssafe]

My fam. just bought an LR4. SO GLAD we did!!!! we love it!! we looked at the GL as well but it didn't make any sense for the price....

[@zmhd1987]

I consider getting one LR4 too, how it holding up now? I like the look of LR4

[@Jingkrub]

If you go off roading in a GL or a LR, you will probably want to have a GX or LC Prado going with you, so that it can take you home when the "check engine" light turns on.

[@akashpandiaraj4309]

your correct you need a SUV like GX ,LC PRADO or an Pajero for off road and they are good at it and they are very safe to drive off road and land rover & Mercedes-Benz does not have a very good base and they are not good at off road.

[@Scrammy18]

Been driving my Lr3 for a long time now and have had no serious issues. Drives great anywhere. Love this suv.

[@TheLastMag]

The GL has a low range transfer case! Maybe the one they tested did't have it but it is an option.

[@RPGTKingpin]

eh. Matter of opinion. Personally, I'm saving up for the facelifted GX. Won't be getting the 2014 version though. Gonna wait a while. I plan to buy the 2016 model with all the features available for it. Waiting gives me time to see if any technical issues come up [I doubt it. The previous GX issue will have made them more careful], and give time for even better tech to be added. Not to mention, it's price is being trimmed. Plus it's the only one of these three reliable enough for where I live.

[@andyj1455]

Technology in LR for off road is fabulous and easy.... and the air suspension... a delight .... only problem in Australia is that Discoveries hold there value too well... still waiting for the discount... And don't talk to me about the Defender which is now almost more expensive second hand than new... talk about the Clooney of the car world! The v6 Diesel 3l is a treat.. v economical

[@pnwautocar5291]

Okay but I’m pretty sure you could option a low range gearbox and a center + rear locking diff on the benz...

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

The GL X164 has a low range mode.

[@jhugo1986]

@MazdamusPrime i know i was just saying that it would be nice to see them go up against each other.

[@fkmacs]

I had the Land Rover once, very good performance. Has many options. Mercedes is just like it, but better. I prefer the Mercedes over both, if not the Land Rover. Lexus was alright. I like the Land Rover LR4 and the GL450.

[@bighands69]

fkmacs Lexus are effectivley the Toyota Land cruiser which is considered the best off road vehicle there is on the road.

[@masaamorfamas7025]

I worked for 16+ years with cars and I can tell you that MB used to put LEATHER seats on their vehicles love the olds regency 98 Chevy caprice and Lexus gx470 with leather seats and some mechanic shop resistant

[@skippydippy234]

@09leenderd Actually my old disco 4 (before I traded for new) had about 80k on it and only went to the garage for regular servicing

[@CochiTravels]

Is the LR4 available with a diesel powerplant in the USA? It's much more economical and has plenty of torque to use while off roading1

[@faristurkistani313]

In the video he says the GL450 has a 4.7 litre V8, but every other website I looked at says the GL550 has the 4.7 litre V8, and the GL450 has a 6 cylinder. I would like to say I know a little something about cars, but can anyone please clarify?

[@93redcamaroz28]

My 450 has v8 and in 07 it was the only engine option as it is what it launched with.

[@go86go]

@imablakmann right on, I guess the editors just figure out you can use different filters while shooting video

[@thomasjoyce2697]

i live in dubai and all people drive here are toyotas but i have a 1998 discovery and when i go off roading my car can go places where those nasty horrible cheap plastic japenese cars can not and on the road my landrover is better to. and everybody keeps saying that they are cheap but owning a landrover and using landcruiser as my company car i can honestly say i would rather spend the extra money for the landrover. they are SOOO much better that any toyota 4x4.

[@22slither]

Very few ever take these cars off road. On an average the GL is easily the most comfortable to live with on a day to day basis. By the way does the GL not have off road pro pack like the ML?

[@shadowsocks7472]

Wouldn't the LR4 be a direct competitor for the full size Landcruiser and not the prado or midsize gx460?

[@2050Wheels]

can you tell the music on this video?

[@P0dDels]

@JasnoGT no 7 seats, right?

[@DisasterNews]

Would the '11 Grand Cherokee be better than the gx 460?

[@jtafoya88]

The Lexus GX has a more sophisticated off road 4x4 system that's similar to the Landcruiser plus it's more reliable and holds its resale value better also it's more luxurious it's a Lexus.

[@Eidrian111]

But then again look at it, its a horrid and featureless design. If you spend that kind of money I suppose that you would want to look different to a Toyota IMO.

[@jtafoya88]

Eidrian111 that is true that new Gx design doesn't look as good as the 2004 design imo but as for the price point with my money I would buy The new range rover sport 2014 and it has more hp and exhaust sounds good

[@wesleyraleigh9294]

"A more sophisticated off road 4x4 system" Are you kidding me? have you ever used 'Terrain response' ?? Or even read up on it? Toyota/Lexus are donkeys compared to the Discovery 4/Range rover That's why Jeep have tried to copy them now.

[@CACressida]

Wesley R Terrain response is just dialing in the amount of braking you want from traction control. The 4x4 systems are identical because there really isn't much you can do to drive all 4 wheels without locking differentials.

[@wesleysuperman]

CACressida You have no idea what you are talking about. It adjusts traction control, pre-load on the electronic diffs which adjust with steering input, throttle response, cross-link valve in the air-suspension... its not as simple as you make it sound.

[@marktech101]

@vitessemeister thanks I was about to say ... if a zr1 hit a pot hole it would bottom out due to its entire half inch of ground clearance lol

[@uflnuceng]

@awh21 owned by China now... I'm thinking a couple Jeeps, like the Grand Cherokee or Wrangler, could probably hang. I was in Philly during a bad snow storm in the mid '90s and the ROTC had a bunch of those H1s. 32 inches of snow on the ground and only the H1s could get around. But the H1 is kind of a completely different class of vehicle.

[@RPGTKingpin]

the facelifted model for 2014 looks sick though.

[@zech007]

US models don't get the off road package that includes the Low range transfer case, EURO only gets that as an option.

[@arturmirzoyan4744]

zech007 not true, you could order an Off Road Package in US for that body style GL450 or GL550 and it includes low range, locking center and rear diffs and numerous other off road goodies. Too bad the tested GL doesn't have that option, the results might have been a lot different.

[@smokeypearl]

@tim3058 not bad but you must have missed the lexus at 4:27

[@anduyerface]

my dad has the lexus and he's had it for 3-4 years, the ride is great

[@MySamisbest]

Where is death valley located?

[@plagick]

@metalman1193 So will a 2011 V6 mustang

[@shoticko]

@savtho i really mean 2:03 but really 2:03 on the side not the back the youtube shows it wrong when you press it

[@alexvassilev9586]

It is difficult to say, which is "the best" 4x4 of them all...the most important thing is who sits behind the wheel. A non-experienced off-road driver may get stuck even if driving a tank. I have a Discovery and I know very well that it has some drawbacks, but I will never consider driving anything else. People have the right of their own opinion, but this really is the BEST 4X4 BY FAR!

[@clos612]

I own both the 2013 GL450 and the 2010 Range Rover SC. 2 completely different SUVs. Land rover is by far more refined both on and off road. Smooth ride anywhere, great space and interior looks, and feels as if you were on an expensive yatch. The downfall is reliability. I'm always wondering if I will have issues with my timing chain or the addaptive air suspension (4k cost on front only). 😑 Gl450 is not as capable but great for the city. Better fuel efficiency and more space inside. Nimble and quick, but the ride is much more stiff. Surprisingly, less cost to own over the years than the RR. Both great vehicles. By far if you want a capable, reliable, and cost efficient off reader, get the GX for sure. Piece of mind is priceless.

[@MrPeterthepilot]

Comments about LR reliability are largely out of date. Since Tata got hold of LR problems have decreased considerably. LR factories are on 24 hour production to keep up with demand so either their reputation has improved or people just love them so much they don't care!

[@gogutzy]

the merc needed considerable more effort to be maneuvered off-road, wait til you see the amount of effort you need to fix it.

[@makizee1]

Thank You, Thank U..

[@daneh6240]

Land rover reliability is a thing of the past

[@wesleyraleigh9294]

Correct. When BMW had the reins it was a disaster. Ford actually did wonders for the brand. not sure what the American spec is for service plan but in SA, 5YEAR 100000KM FULL maintenance plan.

[@jessegrossert]

Wesley R I also live in South Africa. Although too many soccer mommies drive them, the LR's are just superb vehicles. On and off road.

[@robgw]

Totally, agree. I have a 2001 Discovery going strong, never let me down.. the 80's reputation for poor build sadly still lingers in peoples minds.

[@jessegrossert]

RGW RGW I think the haters are the ones sparking the stories of reliability. All the actual owners love them

[@christschool]

jesse G123 Loved my 2001 Disco, but it did have all sorts of reliability issues. I remember one visit to the dealership and the vehicle had 17 service bulletins to replace 17 different parts.

[@assmonkeyification]

With no biasness, I would buy go with the lexus also. 1)It's aggressively priced. 2)Expert said the lexus is mechanically off the hook. 3) Toyota reputation for lasting long time. 4) I like lexus's style

[@alernest]

@seomoz Yeah, Doscovery channel sued LandRover so they changed the name in the states... long ago, though

[@shoticko]

is that LR4 damaged on 2:02 ?

[@HaHaEntertainmentR]

LR4 was always one of my favorites! I knew the GL would come last.

[@VuHien2011]

How many of us would bring a luxury SUV for off road? On the road, it has better acceleration and handling than the GX at least.

[@Poom290827]

I’ll go for the merc!!

[@chopperpl]

Yeah, nothing beats LR's sudden limp mode when you're out in the woods alone. If you own one, then make sure you don't cross any brooks. It takes a single splash from stoping your adventure. All because of poorly protected wire harnesses. There is a reason why LRs from LR4 and on are not used for overlanding.

[@RPGTKingpin]

Precisely.

[@foxstumblesnorth]

The demand is definitely there, but right now the cost of certifying that (or any other diesel we might build) will price us out of the market before we even talk about retooling costs. Hybrids are a horrible alternative right now when you consider diesels can get within 5 mpg and you don't lose much performance from a gas engine. I think that will be huge, again, when the EU and US have the same emissions and the feds won't let anyone sell the 4.5 to 5.0 liter V8s anymore.

[@dulceypeligroso]

If you can afford a LR4, gas prices really aren't a consideration. Beautiful vehicle.

[@jhugo1986]

@MazdamusPrime ok i see your point.

[@thecharlestonweekly4648]

Why not the LX?

[@mzb007]

the GL do have low range box ;) our GL420 CDi had one but that was a european model not a us.

[@foxstumblesnorth]

Not entirely accurate about the pollution laws… We built a 4.4 liter bi-turbo diesel that can be found in the European Range Rover. The engine was designed to also be used in the Ford F-150 (easily passes US emissions with one part added to exhaust) but the Ford backed out when they sold us to TATA. In 2016, the EU emissions laws will be in line with the US, so if we are ever going to get those diesels, it won't be until after that point.

[@assmonkeyification]

With no biasness, I would buy go with the lexus also. 1)It's aggressively priced. 2)Expert said the lexus is mechanically off the hook. 3) Toyota reputation for lasting long time.

[@marktech101]

How much is the land rover?

[@Tiranodino]

Probably the G class is not in the same price range as these other cars but that is the best offer of Mercedes Benz or that particular terrain.

[@marktech101]

@Noobury Lol? You can get one for 37K on eBay.

[@mattsynth]

Great truck but the dealer service is horrible. I had my 2005 LR3 for over 6 years now and would buy another one but I cannot stand the Land Rover dealers service. Service is way too expensive labor and the people behind the counter and in back could care less. They once sent my truck through a car wash with a window down. Things are starting to fail on my 2005 LR3 one after another now and it is time to look for something new. Any suggestions out there I will not go back to Land Rover.

[@nikothecrazygreek]

the landrover has the volvo system right? if so i agree it does suck

[@GPatuleiaMarques]

That's unfair. The GL was not equipped with the offroad package that includes a transfer case, centre and rear locking differentials. It would smoke that Lexus at off-roading.

[@VirusTornado]

4:26 ... WTF! seriously on gravel or sand would be fine but on tarmac... that is simply awesome

[@mohammedalawgari3294]

Nice land rover i need this type of car

[@Johncarson9113]

@sourjerer Not really the Land cruiser shares the same platform as the Lexus LX while the GX is based off the Toyota 4 runner. In terms of size it is comparable to the LR4, the problem here is the Mercedes Benz, they should have compared the ML instead of the GL. The Mercedes GL is a rival to the larger segment of luxury SUVs such as the Lexus LX, Range Rover and Infiniti QX56.

[@2010THEDRAGON]

You just now figure that out?

[@RPGTKingpin]

I assume you're aware that Lexus is the luxury branch of the Toyota Automotive Company. Would I be wrong? Also, The Lexus GX 460 is a high end, luxury version of the Land Cruiser Prado. The actual Land Cruiser itself is a different beast all together, and is actually the counterpart of the LX 570.

[@WyvernSone]

@jhugo1986 it would be but it be the equivalent of comparing a ford mustang gt vs a jaguar xf, both capable but in the end it just comes down to what you realy want. plus i'm sure the raptor would leave the LR in the dust, so to speak :)

[@robnemily]

only one of these I'd buy today for it's intended purpose with peace of mind.

[@MySamisbest]

OH...... Thats right!! I forgot... Thanks!

[@8150shaf]

To be honest Land Rover has earnt such a reputation for being good that most people automatically consider it's the best off roader. At the same time it doesn't disappoint in off roading skills though. I can put my hands up and say I'm one of those people.

[@JasnoGT]

No 2011 Grand Cherokee?

[@8150shaf]

Each individual car is perfect to their own driver.

[@osmanaj2002]

Epic Jump! 0:23

[@igormisyura9003]

The real test is which of these would you buy as a 10 year old SUV?

[@EstorilEm]

@buynike How are you comparing the "land rover" to the "range rover" ........? You do know that Land Rover is a company.. not a model.. and they build the Range Rover, right? the LR3/LR4/Range Rover are just models, technically they're the Discovery 3 / Discovery 4. I understand your comparison, but it doesn't hold much water with the said technicalities. I agree with your comments though, my 13 year old Discovery II will tow my boat on 1000 mile road trips in 100deg heat with ZERO issues!

[@ATLOffroad]

The Mercedes GL class ages nicely.

[@sabyasachighose6370]

Own a LandRover Freelander II.Great car to drive and ride,

[@marktech101]

@vitessemeister what?

[@annu956]

The Lexus GX 460 is a midsize luxury SUV that is based heavily on the smaller of Toyota's two world market Land Cruisers. The GX 460 is Lexus' answer to those seeking a luxury SUV that can still perform off-road when necessary.