2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the Canadian market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. This was largely due to its distinctive boxy design, reminiscent of the classic LR4, which appealed to customers seeking a rugged, traditional Land Rover aesthetic. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and sharply cut tail, all contributing to its classic truck appearance. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a full-size wheel mounted on the hatch, added to its charm. The Defender offered a variety of accessory packages and body styles, including the 90, 110, and 130, providing unparalleled choice in the SUV market.

Inside, the Defender maintained its focus on function and durability, with an interior dominated by rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, yet it retained a unique character that set it apart from the more opulent Range Rover models. The build quality was excellent, but the Defender's price tag, especially for the V8 Carpathian Edition, seemed excessive to some. Nevertheless, its sales success in Canada indicated that many buyers appreciated its distinctive appeal.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a convincing luxury SUV experience with its upscale appearance and refined styling. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler look. The TX 350 Executive package featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available.

The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, but the dark Peppercorn interior felt too sombre despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge, though it lacked some expected features like a massage function for the front seats.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, showcasing impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, though most owners rarely used its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided exhilarating acceleration, akin to a speedboat engine in a fishing trawler. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, delivering smooth performance without excessive fuel consumption. The four-cylinder engine, however, felt underpowered for highway driving.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While its performance was adequate for typical driving, the engine note was grating. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed higher consumption. The TX 350's ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate, ensuring smooth stops.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The 130's third row was spacious, with amenities like a separate moonroof and climate zone. Cargo space varied across models, with the 130 providing up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's versatility extended to its off-road capabilities, with features like a metal roof rack and various accessories.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The TX 350 featured premium materials and standard heated and ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat was less comfortable, but the third row was surprisingly habitable for adults. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row and up to 2,746 litres with all seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems with Pivi Pro software, offering seamless operation. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen provided better legibility. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

The 2024 Lexus TX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, providing impressive sound quality. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, praised for its solid structure. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system allowed for hands-free driving at low speeds, though a higher-speed system was not available.