2025 Lexus GX vs Land Rover Defender: Ultimate Mall Crawlers?
Both the 2025 Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender are capable, luxurious SUVs, but there are a few key differences that make them unique.
Land Rover caused quite the stir among its faithful when it debuted the new-for-2020 Defender, which was a massive departure from its predecessors in that it trades its old purpose-built nature for something that’s, well, more comfortable for those runs to the big box stores on weekends. The new Defender is still quite capable off the beaten path, but has been criticized for giving up on its more unrefined roots. Meanwhile, the new-for-2024 Lexus GX experienced a different kind of redo – it looks even more rugged than its predecessor, but also offers up plenty of off-road chops to go along with its stellar on-road manners.
Thus, it’s the prime time for a bit of a comparison between what Savage Geese calls a pair of SUVs that are “dominating Costco,” humorously enough. In this recent comparison, the YouTubers pitted a 2025 Lexus GX 550 against a 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 – in this case, both on and off the road, to determine which is the best in terms of real-world driving scenarios.
Interior and Exterior
Right off the bat, our hosts point out that the Lexus GX has more cargo capacity than the Defender 110, which is the mid-range sized model sandwiched in between the shorter 90 and the longer 130 – the latter of which matches the GX’s cargo space. Second-row seating comfort is said to be about the same, while the interior of the Defender is a bit more utilitarian in nature than luxurious, like the GX. Both utilize comfy seats, as well as boxy exterior styling that’s fitting of the off-road-focused intentions of both.
Mechanicals
Things do diverge quite a bit underneath that skin, as the Lexus GX retains its body-on-frame construction that off-roaders prefer, while the Defender made the controversial switch to a unibody platform as part of its massive overhaul. The Defender uses a multi-link front and rear suspension setup versus the GX’s multi-link front and live rear axle with adaptive dampers. In this case, the Defender is equipped with the optional air suspension and adaptive dampers, but the GX is also fitted with disconnecting sway bars, which can truly come in handy off-road. However, the Defender does tout far superior off-road angles, much of which stems from its air suspension and the ability to lift the vehicle with the push of a button.
In terms of powertrains, the Lexus GX utilizes the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 churning out 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the Defender in this test is equipped with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
On-Road Driving Impressions
On the road, our hosts note that the Lexus GX is “more refined in terms of NHV (noise, vibration, and harshness),” and it “feels solid, it doesn’t feel as plasticky.” The GX is simply more luxurious inside, but the live rear axle and body-on-frame construction also makes it a bit jarring on smaller undulations. Due to its unibody construction, the Defender is much more composed on those same sorts of surfaces, as one would expect.
Off-Road Driving Impressions
Moving off the pavement, our hosts point out that the GX “does a really good job,” noting that they “feel a ton of confidence” even with traction control turned off in these snowy conditions. By comparison, the Defender doesn’t feel quite as natural or comfortable, but it does soak up the massive bumps better.
Conclusion
As far as which of these off-road-focused SUVs is best – the Lexus GX or the Land Rover Defender – our hosts are a bit split, with each one preferring a different choice. While the Defender is smoother on the road and offers up better fuel economy, it’s also plagued with reliability issues, which is something that the GX hasn’t suffered from – at least, not yet. Either way, these are enjoyable and capable vehicles, but the winner basically hinges down to what sort of experience one is looking for – not to mention, the amount of time you like to spend at the dealer service center.
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