Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.SUVs come in all shapes and sizes these days, and while many are pretend off-roaders, with nothing more than aggressively-styled plastic cladding to set them apart, vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX remain proper old-school SUVs with body-on-frame chassis, and the ability to tackle the toughest trails.Both were completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, and share the same Toyota TNGA-F platform, but they appeal to a very different type of customer, and we decided to compare these two legendary off-roaders to see how they stack up in terms of performance, cabin tech, and real-world usability.Toyota Land CruiserView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementModel years: 2024–PresentMain Competitors:Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover DefenderTrim LevelLand Cruiser 1958Land CruiserBase MSRP$57,880$63,955Engine2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid2.4L Turbo Inline-4 HybridPower326 hp326 hpTorque465 lb-ft465 lb-ft0-60-mph7.7 seconds est7.7 seconds estCity/Hwy MPG22/25 MPG22/25 MPGTowing Capacity6,000 lbs6,000 lbsIn its latest guise, the new Toyota Land Cruiser is smaller and cheaper than before, but it's still as capable as ever off road. Using Toyota TNGA-F platform, it shares several core components with other Toyota and Lexus models and now offers turbocharged hybrid power while still retaining a proper four-wheel drive system with a center diff, low-range and hill-descent control. The 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four is aided by two electric motors which help it produce a combined 326-hp, and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. All Land Cruisers get this setup, as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission, and overall performance is brisk, but slightly behind the old V8-powered Land Cruiser.It is still extremely capable, though, and while it won't match the old Cruiser's 8,100-pound towing capacity, this lighter and smaller version still manages a class-leading 6,000 pounds. There are currently two trims on offer, a pared-down 1958 model, and a standard base trim. The 1958 variant still comes well-specced with heated front seats, rear and center locking diffs, a 2,400 W inverter, 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, and retro-inspired design details that hark back to the original Cruiser's styling.The regular model includes all of that kit aside from the retro-styling, and adds with a larger 12.3-inch multimedia screen, a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) and 20-inch alloys. There are also more optional features to choose from, such as a premium audio package, and additional driver assist systems. Both have the same 7.9 inches of ground clearance and are fitted with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. That said, sales have been tepid at best over the past year, and there are several updates planned for the 2027 model year to get customers back to the showrooms.Lexus GX 550LexusView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementModel years: 2024–PresentMain Competitors: Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, BMW X5TrimPremiumOvertrailLuxuryBase MSRP$67,835$75,480$80,300Engine3.4L Twin-Turbo V63.4L Twin-Turbo V63.4L Twin-Turbo V6Power349 hp349 hp349 hpTorque479 lb-ft479 lb-ft479 lb-ft0-60-mph6.5 seconds6.5 seconds6.5 secondsCity/Hwy MPG15/21 MPG15/21 MPG15/21 MPGTowing Capacity9,063 lbs9,096 lbs7,844 lbsThe Lexus GX underwent a similarly comprehensive redesign in 2024, moving away from an old-school design philosophy and a thirsty V8 to a sharp new look, and umm, a thirsty twin-turbo V6. Although in this case, the new powerplant is marginally more economical and noticeably more powerful. It now gets a 10-speed automatic transmission, and most importantly, the new Lexus GX retains its serious off-roading hardware. Overtrail trims get large 33-inch all-terrain tires, a skid plate, crawl-control ability, and an adaptive suspension setup for even more ability off the beaten path. And in this case, the new GX can tow up to 9,063 lbs, way more than the 6,000 lbs max of the old version.Being a Lexus, the GX 550 is also kitted out with a luxurious interior, and plenty of standard and available features. There are six trims in total, as well as five and seven seating options depending on the trim you pick. A 14.0-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are standard across all variants. Higher trims get additional luxuries like massaging front seats, semi-aniline leather, and additional options like a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system.Toyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus GX 550James RiswickView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe previous generation Lexus GX was effectively a V8-powered Toyota 4Runner with better quality fittings and tech, but that was no bad thing. The new GX 550 also shares its basic underpinnings with a Toyota, the Land Cruiser in this case, but aside from its dominant off-road abilities, it is a very different vehicle to the Cruiser. The GX offers a more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine, the option of a third row and a higher level of interior tech luxury options. It has the same 112.2-inch wheelbase, but overall length is 197.1 compared to the Cruiser's 193.8, most likely to help accommodate that extra row of seats. The GX is also priced around $10,000 higher than the base Land Cruiser and can easily surpass $85,000 when you step up to the top-tier Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims. But that is in line with its direct competitors, and while not quite as rapid or luxurious as its German rivals, the GX 550 is more than a match for them when the going gets tough.Customers are still getting used to the idea of a Cruiser without a V8 under its hood, and while the Toyota Land Cruiser's 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid powerplant may not offer the performance of the GX's V6, it is more economical, and still quick enough for most needs. While it only offers two rows of seating, it has more overall cargo space than a three-row GX. The 1958 trim may be lacking a few luxury features, but at $57,880 before taxes, it represents solid value for money, and it is still a more refined vehicle on road than rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.Both these iconic vehicles are worthy replacements for their famous forebears and bring their respective platforms up to date with the latest tech and features. The Land Cruiser is now a smaller, more affordable, yet still very capable SUV, while the GX 550 adds that extra layer of luxury and performance that customers expect from the brand, all while retaining the go-anywhere ability that sets it apart from the crowd.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.