If you’re shopping for a luxury SUV that can handle real off-road adventures, you’ve probably included the 2025 Lexus GX and the Land Rover Defender among your options. Both models pack serious capability under polished exteriors while offering different approaches to blending sophistication with trail-ready toughness.
Performance and Powertrain Showdown
First, let’s compare the engines, towing capacity, and fuel economy to see how these two SUVs compete in power, efficiency, and capability.
Engine Type and Power
The GX keeps things simple with one engine type for all models: a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GX can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a decent 6.5 seconds.
The Defender’s three distinct engine options are a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 296 horsepower, a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that generates 395 horsepower, and a V-8 engine that pumps out 518 horsepower and a tremendous 626 horsepower in the OCTA model.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity varies by trim level in the GX. The Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail+ trims can tow 9,063 pounds, while the Overtrail trim pulls 9,096 pounds.
The Defender’s maximum towing capacity is 8,200 pounds. That’s over 1,000 pounds less than the GX models — an important factor if you need to haul a boat to Tahoe or camping gear to Big Sur.
Drivetrain and Efficiency
The Defender features an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. The GX boasts a 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, a standard Full-Time four-wheel-drive system, plus a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential on every model.
Gas mileage for the GX is an estimated 21 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg combined. The Defender gets 18-19 mpg in the city and 21-23 mpg on the highway, which varies by engine choice.
Off-Road Driving Experience
Both vehicles bring competitive capabilities to the competition. Here we’ll explore each vehicle’s personality based on its dynamics and off-roading features, which are worth considering if you enjoy off-roading on Silicon Valley’s trails.
The Lexus GX
The GX features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear setup. Adaptive Variable Suspension is available for enhanced ride comfort, while a standard Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System increases stability and improves traction on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims. These models also get a 1-inch suspension lift, raising ground clearance to 9.84 inches.
The GX ‘s Multi-Terrain Select system offers five modes (Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, and Deep Snow), plus Crawl Control with five low-speed settings for when things get really tough — it’s technology that works when you need it most.
The Land Rover Defender
The Defender takes a different approach that works well for everyday use and also makes it a powerful contender for off-roading on tough terrain and in deep water.
Models with oil springs offer firm but controlled damping, while those with air suspension smooth things out even more. The top-of-the-line Defender OCTA goes all out, with a fully independent suspension featuring 6D Dynamics and hydraulically cross-linked adaptive dampers.
The OCTA trim’s ground clearance reaches an impressive 12.7 inches, while standard ground clearance on most trims is between 8.5 and 9 inches.
All-Terrain Progress Control, the Terrain Response 2 system, and wade sensing technology add some serious off-roading prowess to the Defender’s package.
Technology and Infotainment Battle
Both SUVs deliver excellent technology and infotainment, but with distinctive styles.
The Lexus GX
The GX features a standard 14-inch multimedia touch screen running Lexus Interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster looks sharp, and the multi-information display includes cloud navigation with voice assistance. Six USB-C ports on most models make sure everyone’s devices are charged. Audio starts with a decent 10-speaker setup, but if you’re serious about sound quality, you’ll want the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson system.
The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 offers precollision assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist in addition to basic standard safety features.
Land Rover Defender
Land Rover’s Pivi Pro system runs on a 13.1-inch curved touch screen in most models, and built-in Amazon Alexa voice and over-the-air updates are available on select models.
The 360-degree camera system and ClearSight Ground View are genuinely helpful features, especially in tight parking spots around San Jose. A Meridian sound system, wireless charging, and keyless entry round out the package.
The Defender’s safety system features blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and available head-up displays.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Upfront payments and ongoing maintenance costs are a huge factor to consider before making a final decision on which vehicle to purchase.
Initial Payment
The GX starting prices range between $66,185 for the base trim and $82,650 for the Luxury+ model. The sweet spot might be the Overtrail at $73,830, with 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking rear differential, and 360-degree cameras that make even challenging trails feel manageable.
The Defender casts a wider net with prices ranging from $63,500 for the 110 S model up to $168,700 for the OCTA Black trim.
Reliability
Lexus ranks as the second most reliable car brand overall, according to Consumer Reports statistics. Lexus also holds the first place on the list of best brands for used cars that are 5 to 10 years old. That’s something that really matters if you’re planning to keep your vehicle for a while.
Maintenance Costs and Warranties
Land Rover ranks among the brands with the highest estimated maintenance and repair costs, with a tendency to need more ongoing service and major repairs than most brands. Lexus ranks well in comparison, with estimated maintenance costs for the first 10 years coming in at under half the amount of Land Rover vehicles. Recommended maintenance intervals are the same for both brands: every 5,000 miles for oil changes, with major services required at 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Both brands offer a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year corrosion and perforation warranty. Land Rover provides extended service protection coverage for up to seven years/120,000 miles. Lexus offers a powertrain warranty of 72 months/70,000 miles, plus extended parts and accessory plans.
Choose Your Ultimate Luxury Off-Road Companion
The Lexus GX is an unbeatable choice if you value dependability and low ownership costs but want a luxury vehicle with a smooth ride and off-roading capability. Come visit us at Lexus Stevens Creek in San Jose, California, to take the GX for a test-drive and discover your next adventure companion.
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