When it comes to choosing between luxury and capability, the lines often blur, especially when comparing vehicles from the same automotive family. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and the Toyota Land Cruiser Premium are prime examples. Many assume a Lexus automatically means a higher price tag and more luxury, while a Toyota is the more affordable and practical choice. However, when you look at specific models like these two SUVs, the pricing overlap and feature sets create a compelling “Lexus Vs Toyota” dilemma for potential buyers. With both models priced around $70,000, the question isn’t just about brand preference, but which SUV truly offers more value and better suits your needs, particularly for everyday city driving and weekend adventures. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Toyota Land Cruiser Premium: Feature Highlights
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Premium
The Toyota Land Cruiser has returned with a redesigned 2024 model, offering three distinct grades: the base 1958, the mid-range Land Cruiser (simply named), and the limited First Edition. Our focus is on the Land Cruiser Premium, which sits in the sweet spot of features and price. This model aims to capture the essence of the classic Land Cruiser with a modern twist, blending off-road prowess with on-road comfort. For our comparison, we examined a Smoky Blue Land Cruiser Premium, packed with features thanks to the Premium Package:
- 2.4L Turbo Hybrid Powertrain: Delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission.
- Standard 4WD System.
- Electronic Locking Center and Rear Differentials for enhanced off-road traction.
- Sway Bar Disconnect for improved articulation on uneven terrain.
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems to manage various driving conditions.
- Multiple Drive Modes for customized driving experiences.
- Premium Package: A significant upgrade adding leather-trimmed seats (heated and ventilated front, heated rear), a premium 14-speaker JBL sound system, Head-Up Display, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, a Cool Box in the center console, Moonroof, Digital Rearview Mirror, and more.
- Optional 20-inch Wheels, Two-Tone Roof, Vertical Cargo Net, Key Fob Glove, Ball Mount, Cargo Mat, Floor Mats, Illuminated Door Sills, and Roof Rack further enhance its appeal and functionality.
- Including delivery, the MSRP totaled $71,809, showcasing a well-equipped SUV ready for both city streets and rugged trails.
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail: Key Specifications
2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
The Lexus GX 550 has also been completely redesigned for 2024, moving into its third generation with six available grades: Premium, Premium+, Overtrail, Overtrail+, Luxury, and Luxury+. Positioned as the more off-road-centric Lexus model, the GX 550 Overtrail trim starts just under $70,000. While its interior materials might align more with the Premium trim, featuring NuLuxe faux leather, the Overtrail distinguishes itself with advanced suspension technology and off-road hardware. This makes the “lexus vs toyota” comparison even more intriguing, as both vehicles target similar capabilities but with different approaches to luxury and performance. Our test model, an Atomic Silver GX 550 Overtrail prototype, offered a glimpse into its impressive feature set:
2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail rear angle
- 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Engine: Producing a robust 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
- 10-speed Automatic Transmission.
- Standard 4WD System.
- Electronic Locking Center and Rear Differentials for serious off-road adventures.
- E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System): An automatic sway bar disconnect system for enhanced off-road flexibility.
- Adaptive Variable Suspension: Offers three firmness settings (Normal, Sport, Comfort) to tailor the ride to different conditions.
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control systems for off-road driving aids.
- Drive Modes to adjust vehicle settings for various driving preferences.
- 18-inch wheels paired with capable 33-inch tires.
- NuLuxe faux-leather interior with heated and ventilated front seats.
- Moonroof and 360-degree camera system.
- Optional Cool Box, Head-Up Display, and Traffic Jam Assist further enhance convenience and technology.
- Estimated MSRP of $71,620, positioning it closely to the Land Cruiser Premium in price.
Interior Comfort and Design: Lexus vs Toyota
GX 550 Overtrail interior
Land Cruiser Premium interior
Both the Land Cruiser Premium and GX 550 Overtrail are surprisingly similar in terms of technology. They both boast locking differentials, sway bar disconnects, advanced infotainment systems with touchscreens, 360-degree cameras, selectable drive modes, moonroofs, power liftgates with pop-out glass, five-passenger seating, and the sought-after cool box. However, when we delve into interior materials and overall ergonomics, distinctions emerge in this “lexus vs toyota” comparison.
The Land Cruiser Premium edges ahead in perceived luxury with genuine leather seating, heated rear seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Notably, it retains physical buttons for climate controls, a feature preferred by many for ease of use. In contrast, the GX 550 Overtrail in this configuration features NuLuxe faux leather and lacks dedicated rear climate controls and heated rear seats. From a material perspective, the Land Cruiser Premium feels slightly more upscale in this direct comparison.
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail vs Toyota Land Cruiser Premium: Who Makes a Better K SUV???
Land Cruiser Premium interior
Despite the Land Cruiser’s material advantage, the Lexus GX 550 counters with a larger 14-inch infotainment screen, which enhances the 360-degree camera view and generally offers a more modern interface. While some may find Lexus’s reliance on the touchscreen for HVAC controls less convenient, the system is responsive, and the layout is intuitive, especially for switching between Apple CarPlay and native vehicle functions. A thoughtful touch in the GX is the auto-tilting side mirrors when reversing, aiding in parking maneuvers. Furthermore, as we explore further, the GX Overtrail boasts a more sophisticated suspension system, adding another layer to this “lexus vs toyota” debate.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Toyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus GX
Lexus GX 550 Overtrail vs Toyota Land Cruiser Premium: Who Makes a Better K SUV???
2024 Land Cruiser engine bay
Under the hood, the “lexus vs toyota” comparison reveals distinct powertrain philosophies. The Lexus GX 550 Overtrail is powered by a potent 349-horsepower twin-turbo 3.4L V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is shared with other high-performance Toyota/Lexus models like the LX 600 and certain Tundra trims, emphasizing power and responsiveness. Conversely, the Toyota Land Cruiser Premium features a 326-horsepower 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine augmented by a hybrid electric motor integrated into the 8-speed transmission. This hybrid setup, also found in the Tacoma and upcoming 4Runner, prioritizes fuel efficiency and low-end torque.
Neither SUV is designed to be a sports car, but both offer ample power for daily driving, highway merging, and off-road excursions. In real-world driving around Plano, Texas, both SUVs felt surprisingly similar in normal, everyday acceleration. It’s only under hard acceleration that the GX 550’s twin-turbo V6 exhibits its superior power, providing a more robust top-end rush. Performance tests confirm this, with the GX 550 reaching 60 mph significantly quicker than the Land Cruiser. Despite the GX 550 being slightly heavier, its V6 engine delivers a more spirited performance.
However, the Land Cruiser’s hybrid system provides a noticeable low-end boost thanks to the electric motor, making it feel responsive in city traffic. For most drivers, the performance difference in typical driving scenarios might be negligible. The choice here hinges on whether you prioritize outright power or fuel economy in this “lexus vs toyota” equation. Fuel economy is where the Land Cruiser Premium clearly shines:
- Toyota Land Cruiser Premium Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined.
- Lexus GX 550 Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 17 mpg combined.
If fuel efficiency is a major concern, the Land Cruiser Premium is the undeniable winner.
Ride Comfort and Handling: Lexus GX vs Toyota Land Cruiser
2024 GX 550 Overtrail side
Both the Lexus GX 550 and Toyota Land Cruiser are built on robust body-on-frame platforms, a hallmark of traditional SUVs and trucks. This construction lends them durability and off-road capability but typically results in more noticeable road imperfections and body roll compared to unibody crossovers. In terms of straight-line ride comfort, both SUVs perform admirably, effectively absorbing bumps and maintaining composure. However, as expected for tall, heavy SUVs, they exhibit body roll when cornering at higher speeds.
The surprising takeaway from this “lexus vs toyota” comparison is just how similar the ride quality is between the two, particularly when the GX 550 is in its Normal suspension mode. The standard suspension in the Land Cruiser Premium, with its coil springs and shocks, is well-tuned and provides a comfortable ride, even with optional larger 20-inch wheels. Toyota has done an excellent job in balancing comfort and capability in the Land Cruiser’s suspension.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Premium
However, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, along with the Overtrail+ and Luxury+ trims, features an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system. This advanced system sets the GX apart in terms of ride customization. AVS allows the GX to dynamically adjust shock absorber firmness based on driving conditions and selected drive modes. It offers three distinct suspension settings: Normal, Sport, and Comfort.
In Normal mode, the GX 550’s ride is virtually indistinguishable from the Land Cruiser Premium. Sport mode firms up the suspension, enhancing handling and reducing body roll, though at the expense of some ride comfort over rough surfaces. But the GX 550’s true advantage lies in Comfort mode. In Comfort, the suspension softens noticeably, creating a remarkably plush ride that effectively minimizes road imperfections. Switching the GX into Comfort mode transforms the driving experience, delivering a level of isolation from road irregularities that the Land Cruiser, with its fixed suspension, cannot match. While both are truck-based SUVs, the GX 550 with AVS offers a layer of ride refinement that elevates it in terms of daily driving comfort, especially for those sensitive to road vibrations and noise.
Choosing Your $70K SUV: Lexus GX 550 Overtrail or Toyota Land Cruiser Premium?
2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
After a brief but insightful comparison of the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail and Toyota Land Cruiser Premium, both SUVs emerge as highly compelling options in the $70,000 price range. While this wasn’t an exhaustive, week-long test, the back-to-back driving experience provided a clear sense of their strengths and nuances, especially for typical daily driving scenarios.
Both vehicles impress with their build quality and feature sets. The Toyota Land Cruiser Premium stands out with its slightly more luxurious interior materials, physical climate controls, and significantly better fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain. If you prioritize fuel savings and a more traditional SUV feel with leather appointments, the Land Cruiser Premium is an excellent choice.
However, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail counters with sharper styling (subjective, of course), a more powerful V6 engine, and, crucially, the adaptable magic carpet ride of its Adaptive Variable Suspension in Comfort mode. If you value a more refined and customizable driving experience, particularly in terms of ride comfort, and appreciate the extra power of the V6, the GX 550 Overtrail might be the more appealing option, despite its lower fuel economy and faux-leather seats in this trim.
Ultimately, the “lexus vs toyota” decision between the GX 550 Overtrail and Land Cruiser Premium boils down to your priorities. For fuel efficiency and a touch more interior luxury, the Land Cruiser Premium wins. For a more potent engine and a superior ride comfort in daily driving, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail takes the lead. Both SUVs are excellent choices, reflecting the renowned quality and capability of both Lexus and Toyota.
