Toyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was offered in two trim levels, with the base model named the 1958, a nod to its North American debut year. This version featured a retro aesthetic with round headlights and basic equipment, available in three paint colours. It was priced at $73,270, including destination charges. The Cruiser trim, priced at $82,030, presented a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional colour options and a more refined interior. It included larger screens and essential off-roading hardware, with the option for a Premium Package that added leather and more technology. The Cruiser trim test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, Heritage Blue and Grey paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, had an MSRP of $90,603. The Land Cruiser's design emphasized off-road capabilities, with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark grey cladding underscoring its utility. Inside, the Cruiser trim offered a more luxurious feel than the 1958, with Java-coloured leather and dual 12.3-inch digital screens enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessor. Its shape echoed the boxy, old-school Land Rover style, with a bold front accented by LED headlights and a well-proportioned grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, rock rails, and a distinctive brown colour called Earth. Inside, the GX maintained a clean and elegant design, with quality switchgear and chic dashboard and console layouts. The seats, upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The GX provided ample headroom and legroom, with excellent visibility due to its tall windows and elevated ride height. The head-up display was adjustable for perfect visibility, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system featuring electronic locking rear and centre differentials. It had a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Cruiser trim adding Multi-Terrain Select modes, Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Despite an official fuel economy rating of 10.1 L/100 km, real-world testing showed a less efficient 15.0 L/100 km. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road adventurer, though it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. It offered a high driving position with excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver and park. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like the front stabilizer bar disconnect and Crawl Control, providing up to 21.5 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. It accelerated from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. The GX offered robust performance, with full-throttle pulls providing ample power across the rev band. However, its fuel economy was rated at 15.3 L/100 km in the city and 13.5 combined, with real-world testing averaging 19.0 L/100 km. The GX excelled in around-town driving, with quick acceleration and a chassis that felt more athletic than expected. Its on-road ride quality was good, though the rear axle exhibited some jiggliness. Off-road, the GX demonstrated impressive capability, easily handling steep and challenging terrain. The Overtrail+ package added features like a locking rear differential and crawl control, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior featured SofTex artificial leather in the Cruiser trim, with ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked thigh support and had an uncomfortable backrest angle. The Land Cruiser offered 1,062 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,324 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging. The rear window design was less practical compared to the 4Runner, and the centre console's cool box reduced storage space.

The 2025 Lexus GX provided generous interior dimensions, with ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. The GX's cargo space was a standout feature, offering up to 2,563 litres with the second row folded in the Overtrail packages. The GX's overall dimensions made it easier to park compared to other midsize SUVs. Its towing capacity of 4,111 kilograms added to its versatility as an adventure-ready vehicle.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's Cruiser trim featured dual 12.3-inch displays, with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Four connected service plans were available, including Drive Connect with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen offering smooth operation and intuitive menus. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, available with certain packages, provided good audio quality. Six USB-C ports were standard for connectivity and charging, with cooling available in the armrest storage for specific packages.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional features included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Lexus GX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and pedestrian detection. Other features included road sign assist, lane-departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ package added trail-viewing cameras for enhanced off-road visibility. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.