Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus GX | Which Is the Better Off-Roader? | Off-Road Comparison Test

The Toyota Land Cruiser returns to the U.S. for 2024, shrinking in both size and price compared to its predecessor - and it’s accompanied by a redesigned Lexus GX that shares much of its components. The two heavily related SUVs offer their own flavor on the premium off-roader. But which one is superior? Edmunds’ Brian Wong headed to the trails to find out which is the superior 4x4 in this off-road comparison test.
00:00 Intro
01:09 The Ziggurat
03:23 Driving Impressions
04:50 Hill Climb
07:50 The Pipes
10:24 Cargo
11:04 Sandy Wash Run
15:21 Edmunds' Take
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[@edmundscars]

While the Land Cruiser's hybrid system makes it more efficient, the GX's twin-turbo V6 has a big edge when it comes to performance. If you were taking one of these out into the wilderness, which powertrain would you prefer to have pushing you along? Let us know in the comments below!

[@TheBowerbird]

Neither. I'd get a Rivian - which is vastly more capable, comfortable, and luxurious. Also vastly cheaper to run + 175,000 powertrain warranty.

[@naveenthemachine]

Neither of them

[@beexiong2995]

​@@TheBowerbird that wasn't even the question. There was two answers: A) gx550 B) Landcruiser. There was no C) insert your own choice 😂

[@rickper]

I don’t think anyone care about high speed performance in the wilderness, I wonder how the 2400 watt plug works on the land cruiser, seems like it would power up some camping equipment, does it need to be running? Or since its a hybrid just uses the battery?

[@K.T.789]

GX Twin-turbo, no need to worry about hybrid system.

[@MaddNomad1015]

Throttle house essentially made a perfect ad for the LC. Even though it’s the 250 and has a hybrid 4, it got bashed, leaked like crazy and still ran.

[@Mach141]

You dont know fake when you see it. Magically coolant leaks disappear and they drove over some sand. Video was lame. They did mention the ultra cheap plastic interior trim, the hollow cheap feeling doors that sound like a tin can when closing, and the high price. That was an anti land Cruiser ad if anything.

[@Shambles7698]

Both a great SUV but if I have to choose i go with Lexus GX because of ride and quality it gives

[@MercOne]

You better start looking around, that "quality" is lacking.

[@K.T.789]

Nicely done, I've been waiting for this comparison. Short Sharp Concise and hit all the points!

[@theos3440]

With these markups that the dealerships are charging for the new 250 LC prado, it doesn’t make sense when you can get a better GX for the $$$.

[@____-gy5mq]

don't lexuses have markups too?

[@user-vx7vi3vq1c]

Sticking with my LC 200 with the 5.7 V8.

[@ssing7113]

Me too. Seen both in person. The GX seemed too feminine. The LC back battery shelf was stupid and way too much $ Holding the 200 and gonna wait till something catches my eye

[@acousticriff7579]

@@ssing7113You look too feminine

[@imensa9409]

@@ssing7113theres a LC300 in the middle east ,also a lexus LX a new one you gotta see it

[@beriman09]

I think the Land Cruiser 1958 is really the main winner in the comparison with pricing at 55k

[@BT-232]

I am looking to for one but impossible to find one without markup

[@Aaron-zc9cw]

The interior of a base 1958 looks and probably feels super cheap for 55k. You got the look outside and the ability but I couldn't live with a crap interior at that price.

[@JiTengful]

55k with 20k markup..ahahha

[@davidheaton6206]

Yeah naw. Close but want MTS and SDM which they could’ve done for 1958 and kept the price the same and gave us a better value

[@AUav8r05]

I’m going 1958 with mods. I’ll wait until next year after the hype runs out. Local dealer has a FE they can’t sell , 3 folks backed out. My guess high rates and the overall price.

[@andybj4318]

Nice! Very informative! Thanks❤

[@babaktaherian]

Definitely the hybrid Toyota! The V6 is experiencing issues right now. Given how content Toyota is with their brand image, how long it will take to sort out problems.

[@glow4417]

exactly, twin turbo V6 massive problems with motor bearing, requiring full motor rebuild.

[@feliciahatcher7803]

Great review!

[@drsolar]

Good video. Nice comparisons. You win with either vehicle

[@hondajacka2]

Your job is so awesome.

[@1PaNik1]

What a comprehensive comparison 😸🙌👏

[@JER-mw6md]

Where can we find the video on Land Cruiser vs GX on road driving? You showed a clip of braking, etc. but I cannot find the full video.

[@kevin1492]

I'm glad you included something about on-road performance/comfort because let's be real... I don't know if I'm surprised at how similar they are or how different they are. Now can we see the GX go against an LX 600 with the 18" wheels? Probably know how it will turn out, but maybe the LX would surprise us?

[@paulm6481]

Great review. I like them both. But probably agree GX is more lovely. ❤️

[@Queensizemusic]

Mate, I. The introduction you claim “the Land Cruiser used to lineup with the Lexus LX…” but you’re wrong. The Lexus LX IS the Land Cruiser 300, and what they’re badging and bringing over here as a Land Cruiser is the Land Cruiser Prado. They’re two different models entirely, and the Land Cruiser 300 is sold around the globe, just not in North America.

[@dubprocesslbc]

Thanks captain obvious.

[@Queensizemusic]

@@dubprocesslbc very few things are obvious when you’re reporting to the public. And assuming they do makes an Ass out of U and Me.

[@d34thby1337]

That's what he's saying lol. The north American Land Cruiser used to line up with the LX, now it lines up with the GX.

[@hectorrivera6624]

Yeah thats exactly what he said.

[@SYSTEM__32]

This engine is quite similar to the Tundra’s. However they made a lot of changes due to the current fails in some Tundra models.

[@davidmonnin2792]

15:17 "This is not a real job, is it" 😂 Thanks for the content!

[@Inlitener]

Someehere, a Noble Arabian Shiek: "The Lexus does better in the sand!" *Crowd begins cheering*

[@danielgarcia228]

2” lift on the gx w 35s and she’s perfect. No morr worrying on the pipes

[@FCBoulder]

Excellent side-by-side comparison. Thank you!

[@chopperpl]

Excellent??? Comparing SUVs on completely different tires is bogus and very off. This is why I ignore such reviewers, because they are too cheap to conduct proper comparison.

[@SSS-mp8th]

I love the lockers and disconnectable swaybars or the system on the GX but why does the Land Cruiser only have 8.0 of clearance? My OBW has 9.something.

[@hduncan2587]

I wonder if they can engineer a thinner, more spread out modular battery pack system throughout the floor of the hybrids to help cut down on the load floor disparity. We had a new Sequoia Platinum in our inventory last month (already lifted and over-landed out with 20k miles), and that space behind the third row really does suffer. There already isn't much there, and as a passenger vehicle (with captains chairs no less), it doesn't seem worth being so limited to four seats to be used effectively.

[@OldelCpt]

Correct. I think the issue with making it thinner is the cooling system and the weight distribution in the vehicle. It looks like they are placing right above the axle.

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

However, for overtrailing, what's the range for both of these vehicles?

[@mlee6136]

I’m interested in the shopping mall head turning ability. Although the Gx has the badge I think it could be a tie, this is the real world and most important test for 99.9% of buyers 😅

[@husshardan3511]

Westcott Designs already has a killer lift kit and 35s for the GX550. So it fixes all the approach angle issues, has way more ground clearance and much better tires for offroading. Proper rock rails and skid plates are soon to be released. I do prefer it when all this stuff comes from the factory stock so the correct answer may be the new 4Runner Trd Pro or Overtrail. But I don’t want to pay a $15k mark up so it would be Rubicon X or Ineos Grenadier….

[@topnineshow]

The Ineos is awesome. Aesthetically, I hate ONLY it's center-mounted gauges/instrument cluster 😢😢. Otherwise, great value for money.

[@husshardan3511]

@@topnineshow Funny thing is I thought the Ineos Grenadier was too expensive when it first came out. But Toyota fixed that when they released a 4 cylinder 4Runner badged as a LandCruiser for just a little less. Jeep hasn't helped either with their $70K Gladiator Mojave. And the GX550 has a hood that flutters, cheapened out interior compared to the older 460 and an engine that is failing main bearings.

[@Traumatree]

How can you do 2s faster 0-60 when both have the same specs (almost) in HP, Torque and weight? Also the LC has torque coming way faster due to the hybrid - or your batteries were empty when you did it and the engine was charging instead of using them?

[@OldelCpt]

Because HP, Torque are not fixed numbers and depend on engine RPM, turbo spinning and battery temperature for the hybrid. One does not start with the max of everything from the start! They are curves. So it all depends on those numbers changes as one moves along from 0-60 and it will be different front 60 to 70 mph for example accelerating in traffic

[@BrendanEReed]

@edmundscars did you say the GX is getting a hybrid power train later *this year*?

[@hondajacka2]

GX getting hybrid later this year? If so, I'm waiting.

[@franks4973]

This was a great review, really like the real world testing. I like the Land Cruiser front end styling better than Lexus, plus touch button climate controls and lack of underbody shielding has pretty much made up my mind. Can you tow either vehicle 4 wheels down like a Jeep GC?

[@hectorramirez5227]

Is this the overtrail model?

[@hingma6901]

Can you let me know the location of the off-road comparison test?

[@Tigerstripe40]

I am thinking GX550 Overtrail+ second hand, after Toyota fixes the main bearing problems will be the best option for those of us that use these things offroad. New Lexus buyers seem to be excellent about maintenance and having the vehicle serviced at the dealership on time. Per Approach angle and skids.... First thing I a m doing when I buy one of these things is installing an aftermarket winch bumper, and aftermarket skids from soneone like BudBuilt.

[@zalllon]

I really like the Lexus, but fear quality of that motor. Too many recent failures on it. Sticking with my ‘22 4Runner TRD Off Road.

[@mkyhou1160]

The 3.4l v6 scares me on the GX. Lots of reports of it failing in the Tundra, even the 2024 models.

[@Traumatree]

Isn't that the i-ForceMax one that fails?

[@mkyhou1160]

@@TraumatreeCar Guy online did a video on it. The death of a legend. The engines are ticking time bonbs.

[@zeeshanehtisham442]

So far 3.5L V6 introduced in 2022 is going strong i dont know where you getting these reports....

[@onenessacts238]

4 reports of lx600 with ttv6 failing.

[@ro0ster648]

Twin turbo V6 has bearing and turbo wastegate problems. I would wait for a few years for that GX until Toyota fixes the problems. The 2.4L 4cylinder turbo has vacuum controlled wastegate which is more easier to service and proven design. Has been on the market for 2 yrs now without issues. Pair it with the 2 electric motors of the hybrid, it's a stout powertrain, but u know those 4 cyl haters gonna keep hating on it, gets better mpg and no need for premium gas as well unlike the GX.

[@0930091]

how many percentage people drive off road?

[@ralph3384]

Not a fan of Toyota only making hybrids. They should give other options. I would buy the Lexus only. Also how much will the battery cost to replace in the hybrid in the future?

[@leviyaakubov1875]

Wow, thank you very much for the professionalism and real off-road operations. The hill seemed too nice to me and not too difficult for other vehicles. Interesting but old Prados cost it. ? In my opinion, the Toyota needs a 2.5 inch ground clearance in order to go on off-road adventures. Not every driver will behave with care that has such a vehicle.

[@Kristian_Saile]

I dig the 1958. Having had 5 Land Cruisers over the past 25 years it just seems the best of what a cruiser is, well built, simple (relatively), and classic looking. That being said though I was surprised by the 0-60 being slower than a 4 liter 5th gen. Having seen the new Cryiser released last year we decided if we are getting a Prado it will be the 6th gen 4Runner version and while I love the look of the new Cruiser, I have no regrets getting a 5th gen. I honestly think it has better packaging in a tidier size and it more than proven.

[@gorditaz8728]

The real question is: will the LC 250 engine be as reliable as the older gen LCs? Can it last over 300k miles being a 4 cylinder turbo hybrid engine?

[@davidheaton6206]

So close but off on some things that are no brainers and the time they put into the redesign and still missed small details is puzzling. They need a everyday day practical guy to help them with some basic stuff despite all the tech… How does 1st edition not have true ATs with all the rock rails and skid plates? Finish the theme, finish the thought process. What is the purpose of 1958? In my opinion, it should be to have all the Offroad and stuff and less thrills therefore SDM an MTS should stay. And 245s?! What good is my rear locker with tiny tires? If you want a truly less capable, cheaper SUV, get the base SR5 4 Runner and let Land Cruiser be Land Cruiser. I disagree with the engine choice for the Land Cruiser. But not having EKDSS is retarded. The land cruiser needs to be more similar to the GX and less similar to 4Runner. That’s where they messed up big-time for customers. Maybe their sales people didn’t want to hurt GX sales but that’s stupid. Both j250s they can be almost identical like 570 and j200 LC

[@willkaufman363]

For EKDSS and tires, I actually think the choice makes sense. They're positioning the LC as the one you buy if you want to mod. And if I'm gonna mod anything more than wheels, I'd rather have the electronic disconnect they put in the LC.

[@urbanstrencan]

You should do Land Cruiser vs Rivian R1S vs Hummer SUV 😊

[@jcondit1]

Any chance that Toyota will make any minor changes prior to releasing to the market?

[@ronherman6033]

The Overtrail suspension is superior to the others with its auto disconnect sway bar and eKDSS....also rock rails and extra skids are available for GX so could have been more apples to apples. The approach angle is more limiting but if had rock sliders I think would have been more confident on obstacles....

[@OldelCpt]

It also have an Adaptive Variable Suspension worth about $6k more than a regular suspension (?)

[@hexproject9985]

Where is this place?

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

You said they were close in price, what do you mean, I see about 20k price difference.

[@titomatias1576]

For me, it’s a no-brainer the V6 twin turbo!

[@erwinl.8152]

I’m glad I’m going with the LC.

[@ednyc23]

On one hand the 3.4 V6 is having issues, but does the fact that the GX550 is made in Japan suggest it will have less issues? We’ll see…

[@cshader2488]

Should be mentioned that rock sliders come as a factory option on the GX

[@OldelCpt]

Seems pretty inaccurate to compare the what trim? The Overtrail (?) not specified, with the 1st Edition LC. So few will have access to that trim. That LC is already improved with different upgrades, should have done same on the GX then for a fair comparison!

[@barbouradam]

great video! rippppppping that GX on dirt roads!

[@SilverScarletSpider]

i’m only interested in gasoline cars, i have no interest in the hybrid models. can you please do more videos that show off gasoline suv’s with their optional third rows equipped instead of the two row hybrid trims?

[@Jeepingshort]

Both are adorable soft roaders for Costco

[@SuperBacDoc]

What a great job! Driving new $80k+ trucks is awesome but flying off road and crawling up stairs cases in sick new trucks and getting paid for it!😎😂🤙 Where do I sign up? 🤣👏🍺😎

[@shawkatzaher7998]

which car is more reliable?

[@Aldeeezzy]

I’ll stick to my V8 GX

[@haduong5828]

For American with average income who wants to buy these new expensive cars just to take off road. Most people buying Toyota, Lexus brands because they are known for quality, reliability and longevity. With these new engines, times will tell! Even though these engines are not that new but not long enough to be proven out besides as I know they did have some issues with other’s same engine.

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

Pretty sure the 4runner, LC, GX, and LX all have the exact same wheelbase. Kinda dumb because most compact crossover have more passanger room especially for the 2nd row

[@user-vr8nl9my5j]

Both are so attractive that it is difficult to choose. Toyota's reliability is unmistakable!

[@michaelclark2872]

I wonder why toyota didn't put more aggressive tires on the land cruiser

[@tbotiOG]

Gotta love only 80k like it’s nothing it’s practically free.

[@Canikissyou-is7zc]

Hard to choose, I wish if I could afford both

[@2bond007]

Here in Norcal dealers have the LC at $92k!😤

[@mcwendel8066]

Love the looks of both vehicles, but I’d have to choose the GX just because of the twin turbo V6. Also at a dealership near me in Massachusetts a Nori green Overtrail is $70,000 which seems like a good deal comparatively speaking. Pretty sure the land cruises will be marked up quite a bit

[@anthonyrc2250]

This land cruiser prado has always compete with the GX, there’s confusion from the bigger version the land cruiser 300 which is the one that has always compete against the LX

[@bonasab]

Not which one best off reader,, but which one more reliable

[@cowboyfoodie9551]

concerns are not in the performance department

[@ignacioproudly7930]

Gas on gx 550 is premium gas or regular?

[@rycophotography]

Premium recommended by manufacturer

[@bwset69]

LC and GX are premium gas

[@OldelCpt]

@@rycophotographynot recommended, compulsory. Otherwise risk warranty not covering. A dealer had a video with those details.

[@eseir64]

For the same price, LEXUS all the way. We all know that the majority of the Lexus buyer will never venture into a sandy road let alone Moab. The breaking example of the Toyota was pretty scary considering this will bound to happen at one time or another during ownership

[@chadpeterson2033]

Great test, but should have equalized the tires for this. LC has Michelin LTX Trail and GX has Toyo ATs.

[@Aarl0130]

It’s a good comparison since both come like this from the factory, it's like saying that they have to put rock sliders and a longer skid plate on the GX so that they can be compared better

[@hatorihanzo242]

which is one better for milk and diapers?

[@jhonnypusong6906]

They’re both good. But Lexus has a advance tech. Money wise, I go for Land Cruiser. But for more fun more advance tech, I go for Lexus. Both reliable and bullet proof. That’s why I have two ( Lexus and Toyota).😁 The Legend still the king ( Land Cruiser).😁

[@t3h8ar0n]

You said the Lexus GX has EKDSS... then you said it has a leather interior... incorrect... the EKDSS models cannot get leather...

[@ericlanglois2501]

3 rows only offered in the Lexus though!

[@robotkiller99]

Land Cruisers had under stressed V8 engines and a 25 year service life. I don't think they designed these new LCs with that kind of service life expectation and I'm skeptical that will be likely with a 4 cylinder hybrid platform. I used to own a LC and I honestly didn't love it - the truck was pretty slow and the transmission was rough with a lot of backlash slop.

[@Cinoism]

Both of them are RAD.

[@husshardan3511]

Eight inches of ground clearance? Some Subarus have more than that!

[@bizzfo]

GX needs a much larger fuel tank. 21 gallons is anemic for the fuel economy it gets. I don’t know why Toyota neuters their truck platforms with itty bitty fuel tanks.

[@brianh5393]

Hands down 200 series!

[@ludikonj8927]

I think when Lexus gets Hybrid option, then it will really stand out. Engine will be more durable.. car will have more power

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

5000 first edt lot of Toyota dealers will mark them up $10-15k over priced $77k, now GX550 overtail model no opts moon roof delete under $70k but lexus will not build them dont want to be priced less then the first edition or at land cruiser premium trim my choice is a no opt GX 550 overtrail moon roof delete but Lexus will not build it maybe 2025 ? as the LC first edition is a one yr only model ?

[@rustlesee]

So basically rebadging vehicles was something manufacturers used to do. But consumers could see through the thin veil. This is weak.

[@strelnikoff7]

So if Tundra, LX600 and LS500 all have some serious issues with engines - and no fix for 3 yrs so far (so I've heard) - will GX550 experience the same? Considering it's a fairly new and not many (if any) have managed more than couple hundred or thousand miles so far... I was considering GX550 but hearing about these horror stories and issues - I'm waiting...

[@glow4417]

Owners of the GX have already reported engine failure. Tundra and GX both have a bearing that can go out, requiring a full rebuild. There are videos on youtube explaining in detail what is going on. The bearing is a "bridge design" that is supposed to be better and stronger -- but it is currently a weak point.

[@Toe_Knee_69]

Probably because it’s 5-10 bad apples out of 100,000+ vehicles sold

[@strelnikoff7]

@@Toe_Knee_69 ok, but they haven't made or sold that many (for GX and LX ... not sure about Tundra) thus the ratio of "failure" is high. I've looked into it a bit deeper and from what I saw - mechanical design issue. However, in a probably worst place - dynamic loading. The thing is - I really want them to be good and reliable - because that was/is 90% of the reason I am considering GX. Ok, off-road ability is another 10%.

[@strelnikoff7]

@@glow4417 Yeah, I saw few videos where they are pointing to those bearings - and the issue (I believe) is - it may not be as easy to fix it (for cheap) since it's a dynamic loading area so it has to be perfect.

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Give me the V6 Lexus!

[@tz230]

I would purchase it, but only when they come out with 3,5 twin turbo hybrid!!! Tundra engine

[@myplaxismodelisbetterthanyours]

Toyota is straight trolling their customers with these prices 😂

[@Mach141]

Since the Lexus engine was just recalled for some serious issues (in other vehicles, same engine) the Cruiser becomes the only choice. For now.

[@louayafadar]

Wwwwwwwwoooooowwwwwww So nice video❤

[@beexiong2995]

Right now I would pick the landcruiser. The TT V6 has main bearing issues that toyota hasnt fixed yet meaning it's still occurring. I wonder what their official statement of all the engine failures is. Are they trying to fix it? Or just pay for buybacks and short block repairs?

[@dalejacques3142]

any idea what % of motors are affected by the main bearing issues?

[@beexiong2995]

@@dalejacques3142 no clue. But I saw somewhere on the tundra forums that it's growing and the 2024s are affected still

[@JDJD-hg9hu]

V-8 all day everyday but if you can’t have a V-8 then a V-6 will have to do.

[@joeblack1052]

Landcruiser looks way better GX is weirdly starting to date in appearance 4cylinder engine will be more serviceable long term A better buy for 55k would be the current 4Runner TRD pro

[@babelnow]

these seem great, but too expensive for me.

[@ChishaSinyangwe]

Lexus is also TOYOTA so I think you should say Land Cruiser vs Lexus. When you say I’d choose the Lexus over the Toyota that’s like saying I’d choose the S600 over the Benz

[@mhassouneh]

You know, both vehicles are basically the updated versions of the LC Prado and GX, and the prices for both are ridiculously overpriced. The LC250 series shouldn't be this close to the LC300 in price!

[@2bond007]

😬Now I have anxiety my 53k miles JK is going to have a tick or knock. 😫 My Landcruiser has 350k miles, purring like a kitten!

[@Tehilliym]

Gx once they work out all the kinks in a few years.

[@petergazarek9466]

NEW TOYOTA LANDCRUISER ❤️👍 NEW LEXUS GX 😍👍 WAUUUU 👑

[@briangarner]

I can't think of a reason why anyone would choose the Land Cruiser, any of them. Top of the line 4Runner or mid level Landcruiser, or top of line Land Cruiser vs Lexus GX. Just a bad choice and an SUV that is out in Limbo. My opinion of course.