Overland The 2024 Land Rover defender 130 and Lexus GX550 When it comes to overlanding in style, the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX550 are two top contenders in the luxury SUV market. Both vehicles promise to deliver power, comfort, and off-road capability, but they do so with different approaches. If you’re deciding between these two, this in-depth comparison will help you choose your perfect adventure partner.
Powertrain and Performance:
Both the Defender 130 and GX550 pack impressive powertrains, but their execution varies significantly.
The 2024 Lexus GX550 Over trail+ is powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. With 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, this mid-size SUV is built for serious trail adventures. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system includes a lockable Torsen centre differential, a low-range gearbox, and advanced terrain control systems. The GX also boasts a towing capacity of 9063 pounds, making it highly versatile for adventure-seekers who need to tow trailers or gear.
On the other hand, the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound is equipped with a supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It delivers 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the GX550, the Defender features a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. However, the Defender relies more heavily on its suite of electronic aids, such as Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control, to manage off-road situations. With a towing capacity of 8201 pounds, it slightly lags behind the GX in this department.
Interior Comfort and Features:
Luxury SUVs should balance rugged capability with high-end comfort, and both contenders aim to do just that. The Lexus GX550 Over trail+ has a modern interior that blends premium materials with adventure-ready practicality. Its tan and olive upholstery provides a warm and inviting cabin, while its two-row seating configuration ensures ample space for passengers. The GX is equipped with cutting-edge technology including a large infotainment touchscreen, physical controls for ease of use, and massaging front seats for added comfort on long drives.
In contrast, the Defender 130 Outbound offers a minimalist, blacked-out interior with rugged materials designed to withstand wear and tear. The Defender’s larger size provides more spacious seating, especially in the second row, but the overall design lacks the warmth and sophistication of the GX550. While both vehicles include heated and ventilated front seats, the Defender’s boxy interior feels more utilitarian, and its rubber floor mats seem ready for muddy boots rather than luxury adventures.
Off-Road Capabilities:
When it comes to tackling rough terrain, both SUVs bring their A-game with advanced off-road features.
The Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ is built on a body-on-frame construction, with a solid rear axle and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS). This allows the GX to automatically disconnect its anti-roll bars for greater suspension articulation, which proved highly effective in off-road testing. The GX also features crawl control, downhill-assist control, and various selectable off-road modes for different terrains.
Meanwhile, the Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound uses a unibody construction supported by independent suspension and adjustable air springs. While it lacks the anti-roll bar disconnect feature of the GX, the Defender’s air springs allow for greater ground clearance when needed, increasing from 8.6 inches to an impressive 11.5 inches in its highest setting. The Defender also features electronic locking differentials and advanced off-road technology that automatically adjusts to changing conditions.
In real-world testing, the Defender’s greater ground clearance and steeper approach and departure angles allowed it to traverse challenging obstacles with ease, while the GX550 excelled in suspension articulation, making it better suited for rocky, uneven trails.
Exterior Design and Practicality:
Both SUVs have rugged aesthetics that match their adventurous personalities, but their designs cater to different preferences.
The GX550 Over trail+ adopts a boxy silhouette reminiscent of its sibling, the Toyota Land Cruiser, with a slightly toned-down grille for a more balanced look. Its stocky frame, combined with its 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires, gives it a robust, trail-ready presence. However, the GX’s side-hinged rear door and limited legroom in the second row detract from its overall practicality.
The Defender 130 Outbound, on the other hand, boasts a larger and more commanding presence with its extended wheelbase and painted panels over the rear side windows. Its blacked-out accents and side-mounted lockbox enhance its rugged appeal. Despite these features, the Defender’s design choices, such as the side-hinged rear cargo door, can be cumbersome in tight spaces.
Driving Experience:
Driving these SUVs highlights their distinct personalities.
The Lexus GX550 Overtrail+ feels nimble and responsive, thanks to its smaller size and thoughtfully tuned chassis. It handles well on the road and provides excellent feedback in off-road scenarios. However, the GX’s ride quality can feel choppy on rough pavement, and its 10-speed automatic transmission occasionally struggles at low speeds.
In contrast, the Defender 130 Outbound offers a smoother and more refined ride, particularly on highways and uneven terrain. Its air suspension provides better body control and a more composed demeanor, making it feel like a larger, more stable vehicle. However, the Defender’s throttle calibration can feel sluggish, especially when precision is needed on technical trails.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency is rarely a priority in this segment, but both SUVs performed similarly during testing.
The GX550 achieved 16 mpg in mixed driving conditions and 20 mpg on the highway, slightly below its EPA estimates. The Defender 130 matched the GX’s overall average of 16 mpg and managed 19 mpg on the highway, surpassing its EPA rating by 1 mpg.
Pricing and Value:
The starting price for the Lexus GX550 Over trail is $69,250, with the fully loaded Over trail+ model reaching $80,915. For this price, buyers get a capable off-road SUV with luxury features like massaging seats and premium off-road hardware.
The Land Rover Defender 130 Outbound starts at $86,125, with optional packages pushing its price to $93,938. While the Defender offers more advanced electronic off-road aids and better ground clearance, it comes at a higher cost, which may not justify its advantages for some buyers.
Conclusion: Which SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 and the Lexus GX550 Over trail+ depends on your priorities.
The Defender excels in ground clearance, refinement, and advanced off-road technology, making it ideal for explorers who value capability and a commanding presence. However, its higher price and less intuitive controls might deter some buyers.
The GX550, with its impressive suspension articulation, rugged design, and lower starting price, offers better value for overlanding enthusiasts who prefer a more traditional and tactile approach to off-roading.
Both SUVs are worthy companions for overland adventures, proving that luxury and ruggedness can coexist in the world of off-road vehicles.
