When considering luxury and capability in the automotive world, the names Lexus and Toyota stand out. While the Toyota Lexus Gs sedan once represented a pinnacle of sophisticated driving, the current market trends and evolving consumer needs highlight the growing dominance and appeal of SUVs. Today, we delve into a comparison that moves beyond the sedan legacy to explore two exceptional SUVs from these brands: the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and the Toyota Land Cruiser Premium. These vehicles, while sharing a parentage, offer distinct experiences and capabilities, especially when considering daily driving and urban environments versus off-road adventures. Which one truly offers a better value proposition in the $70,000 SUV segment? Let’s investigate.
Many comparisons between models within the Toyota and Lexus families often lead to oversimplified conclusions about pricing. It’s easy to assume that all Lexus GX models are inherently expensive and all Toyota Land Cruisers are budget-friendly. However, the reality is much more nuanced, with significant price overlap. To illustrate this point, a recent event at Toyota’s North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, presented a unique opportunity to compare two of their most anticipated SUVs: the Toyota Land Cruiser Premium and the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail. Remarkably, these two vehicles carried nearly identical MSRPs, both hovering just under $72,000 for the 2024 model year.
This price parity immediately raises some compelling questions:
- For urban driving, which powertrain and suspension system performs better? Is it the GX 550’s twin-turbo 3.4L V6 with a 10-speed automatic, or the Land Cruiser’s 2.4L turbo hybrid paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission?
- At the $72,000 price point, does Lexus or Toyota deliver a more refined and desirable SUV experience?
Let’s delve into the specifications and initial impressions to uncover the answers. For a more dynamic perspective, you can also watch a video tour and first drive comparison.
Considering a new SUV? Which would you choose: the GX 550 Overtrail or the Land Cruiser Premium? Share your thoughts in the ClubLexus forums! Join the discussion HERE!
Land Cruiser Premium ($71,809 MSRP)
Front view of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Premium in Smoky Blue, showcasing its rectangular headlights and rugged design, ideal for off-road enthusiasts and daily commutes.
The Land Cruiser lineup currently features three distinct grades. The entry-level Land Cruiser 1958 model, with its retro round headlights and cloth interior, starts below $60,000. Stepping up, the Land Cruiser (simply named), featuring rectangular headlights reminiscent of the 1980s models, begins in the low $60,000s but can reach the low $70,000s with the Premium package. Finally, the limited-edition First Edition, a fully-optioned Land Cruiser with 1960s-inspired headlights, is priced around $75,000.
The 2024 Smoky Blue Land Cruiser Premium test vehicle included the following features:
- 2.4L Turbo Hybrid engine (326 hp, 465 lb-ft of torque)
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Center and Rear Locking Differentials
- Sway Bar Disconnect
- Multi-Terrain Select & Crawl Control
- Drive Modes
- Premium Package – $4,600
- Leather Seats (Heated and Ventilated Front, Heated Rear)
- 14-Speaker JBL Sound System
- Head-Up Display
- 360-Degree Camera
- Cool Box
- Moonroof
- Digital Rearview Mirror
- 20-inch Wheels – $1,240
- Two-Tone Roof – $350
- Vertical Cargo Net – $65
- Key Fob Glove – $20
- Ball Mount – $80
- Cargo Mat – $130
- Floor Mats – $179
- Illuminated Door Sills – $360
- Roof Rack – $1,440
- Delivery Fee – $1,395
- $71,809 MSRP
GX 550 Overtrail ($71,620 Estimated MSRP)
Side profile of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail in Atomic Silver, highlighting its robust stance, off-road tires, and advanced suspension system designed for challenging terrains.
Lexus offers a broader range of GX 550 trims, including Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Overtrail+, Luxury, and Luxury+. The test model was a GX 550 Overtrail, positioned as a lower trim starting just under $70,000. While featuring faux leather interiors reminiscent of the Premium trim, the Overtrail boasts advanced suspension technology, encompassing locking center and rear differentials and an adaptive variable suspension.
The Overtrail and Overtrail+ variants are engineered as the most off-road-capable Lexus models to date.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, emphasizing its spacious cargo area, tailgate design, and overall adventurous styling.
As the Atomic Silver GX 550 Overtrail was a pre-production prototype, a detailed window sticker was unavailable. However, based on observations and information from the Lexus build configurator, the estimated features and pricing are as follows:
- 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 engine (349 hp, 479 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed Automatic Transmission
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
- Center & Rear Locking Differentials
- E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, automatic sway bar disconnect)
- Adaptive Variable Suspension with Three Firmness Settings
- Multi-Terrain Select & Crawl Control
- Drive Modes
- 18-inch Wheels with 33-inch Tires
- NuLuxe Faux-Leather Interior with Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
- Moonroof
- 360-Degree Camera
- Cool Box – $170
- Head-Up Display – $900
- Traffic Jam Assist – $840
- Delivery Fee – $1,350
- $71,620 Estimated MSRP
Features & Interior Quality
Interior shot of the Land Cruiser Premium emphasizing the leather seats, physical climate controls, and overall comfortable and functional cabin space.
Technologically, the Land Cruiser Premium and GX 550 Overtrail share numerous similarities. Both offer locking center and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bars, advanced infotainment systems with touchscreens, 360-degree cameras, selectable drive modes, moonroofs, power liftgates with pop-out rear glass, five-passenger seating, and the convenient “cool box” center console storage.
However, when it comes to interior materials and ergonomics, the Land Cruiser Premium distinguishes itself with genuine leather seats, heated rear seats, a tri-zone climate control system, and traditional physical buttons for managing the heating and air conditioning. In these aspects, the Land Cruiser Premium feels slightly more luxurious than the GX Overtrail, which features NuLuxe faux leather and lacks dedicated rear passenger comforts.
Front interior view of the Land Cruiser Premium, showing the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment system, emphasizing a blend of ruggedness and modern amenities.
While operating the HVAC controls through the Lexus Interface infotainment screen can be less convenient, the GX’s larger 14-inch screen enhances the 360-degree camera view. Furthermore, the Lexus infotainment system currently offers a more user-friendly interface for switching between CarPlay and vehicle functions. The GX also provides a practical feature of angling its side mirrors downwards when reversing. Moreover, the GX Overtrail models boast a more sophisticated suspension system, which we will explore further.
Turbo V6 vs Turbo 4 + Hybrid
Engine bay of the 2024 Land Cruiser, showcasing the turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine, emphasizing fuel efficiency and adequate power for various driving conditions.
Under the hood, the GX features a 349-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is related to those found in the Lexus LX 600 and select Toyota Tundra models. In contrast, the Land Cruiser employs a 326-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine augmented by a hybrid electric motor integrated within the 8-speed transmission. This engine configuration is also utilized in the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma and upcoming 2025+ Toyota 4Runner models.
Neither the GX 550 nor the Land Cruiser are designed to be high-speed performance SUVs. However, their power-to-weight ratios are commendable, exceeding those of their predecessors equipped with V8 engines. Both offer ample power for everyday driving, highway maneuvers, and off-road adventures.
During city driving in Plano, Texas, both SUVs exhibited surprisingly similar performance under light to moderate throttle. It’s only at full throttle that the GX’s twin-turbo V6 demonstrates a slight edge, providing more sustained power. Consequently, MotorTrend testing revealed the GX accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, 1.5 seconds quicker than the Land Cruiser. This is despite the GX weighing 5,675 lbs, 230 pounds heavier than the Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser, however, doesn’t feel sluggish in urban settings, thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque. For most drivers, the performance difference might be negligible without direct back-to-back testing. Subjectively, the V6 in the GX offers a more engaging driving experience, although a power output closer to the LX would be even more desirable.
However, for those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Land Cruiser Premium clearly excels:
- Land Cruiser Fuel Economy – 22 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
- GX 550 Fuel Economy – 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 17 mpg combined
Suspension & Comfort
Side view of the 2024 GX 550 Overtrail in Atomic Silver, emphasizing its ground clearance, off-road tires, and robust suspension system designed for both comfort and capability.
Both the Lexus GX 550 and Toyota Land Cruiser are built on body-on-frame platforms, characteristic of traditional truck-based SUVs. This construction provides robustness and a comfortable ride but typically transmits more vibrations and road imperfections into the cabin compared to unibody vehicles (cars and crossovers). While both SUVs offer a comfortable ride in a straight line, they exhibit body roll during quicker turns, typical for tall, heavy SUVs.
The key observation is the remarkably similar ride quality between these sibling SUVs, particularly when the GX is in Normal suspension mode.
The GX 550 Overtrail, Overtrail+, and Luxury+ models are equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension, featuring electronically adjustable shocks that dynamically adapt to driving conditions and offer three distinct firmness settings: Normal, Sport, and Comfort.
Front three-quarter view of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Premium in Smoky Blue, highlighting its modern design, alloy wheels, and overall premium SUV appearance.
In Normal mode, the GX’s ride is nearly indistinguishable from the Land Cruiser’s fixed coil spring and shock suspension, even with the Land Cruiser’s larger 21-inch wheels. Toyota has achieved impressive ride quality with the Land Cruiser. However, the GX offers additional versatility with its Sport and Comfort modes. Sport mode stiffens the suspension, enhancing road feel and noticeably reducing body roll.
The standout feature of the GX is its Comfort mode. While it allows for more body roll in corners, it delivers an exceptionally smooth ride, effectively minimizing the impact of road imperfections. Switching the suspension to Comfort mode, either through the Comfort drive mode or Custom mode, significantly elevates the GX’s driving experience. While it remains inherently a truck-based SUV, the Lexus provides a level of ride refinement that the Land Cruiser, despite its merits, cannot match. This enhanced comfort and isolation from road disturbances give the GX a distinct advantage for drivers sensitive to ride quality.
GX 550 Overtrail or Land Cruiser Premium: Which $70K SUV is Right for You?
This comparison is based on a limited 20-minute driving experience with each SUV in a suburban Texas environment, including a brief stop at a local park for filming. While not exhaustive, this firsthand experience, combined with familiarity with similar body-on-frame vehicles, provides valuable insights into their daily driving characteristics. The back-to-back testing of the powertrains and suspensions on the same roads allowed for direct and specific comparisons, eliminating reliance on memory.
Both the Toyota Land Cruiser Premium and Lexus GX 550 Overtrail impressed in this brief evaluation, particularly the Toyota. Despite some use of basic plastics, the primary touchpoints and seating surfaces in both vehicles are of high quality. The Land Cruiser’s traditional radio and HVAC controls are ergonomically preferable for some. If outright speed is not a priority and fuel economy is important, the Land Cruiser Premium is a compelling choice. However, for those drawn to the GX’s more assertive styling and desiring extra power and superior suspension technology—albeit at the cost of fuel economy and leather seating—the GX Overtrail presents a very attractive option.
Thank you for reading.
Image credit: Michael S. Palmer
Tags: 2024 Lexus GX, 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, SUV Comparison, GX 550, GX 550 Overtrail, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Premium, SUV Reviews
