2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly established itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which resembled a larger RAV4, the TX boasted a more refined look, especially with its 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX 350 was expected to be the most popular choice, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The interior, while dark with the Peppercorn colour scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge, despite some criticisms about the lack of ambient light.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, particularly the 110 four-door model, struck a balance in design, offering a rugged yet customizable appearance. The Defender 130 X trim, tested with black exterior elements and upgraded interior materials, came equipped with all of Land Rover's off-roading technology. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, and options like the Towing Pack and Cold Climate Pack. The Gondwana Stone paint, however, did not complement the orange brake calipers, suggesting that other colour options might be more appealing. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, maintaining an industrial theme that emphasized purpose over luxury. Despite its rugged design, the Defender's interior was appreciated for its quality materials and practical layout.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 X featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.6 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 3,720 kilograms. The Defender's adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes made it highly capable off-road. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender was primarily tested on pavement, where it handled well but was not particularly agile on twisty roads. The fuel economy was rated at 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but the observed average was 14.5 L/100 km.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs by offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as the front seats. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX models. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row added to the open feel of the interior. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with adjustable armrests. The Defender 130's third-row seat was roomy and supportive, but cargo space was limited to 433 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,237 litres with the third row folded, and 2,520 litres with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessible via an 11.4-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The Pivi Pro system had improved in responsiveness and accuracy, making it more intuitive to use. The Defender also featured a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and ease of parking. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, though it was not always transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offered a range of driver aids, including automatic high beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The system operated smoothly, though the lane keep assist occasionally attempted to steer the vehicle into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.