The Lexus GX460 and the Land Rover Defender 110 are two very different vehicles. Old vs new if you will. The GX460 is based on a years old platform used worldwide by Toyota for the GX, Prado and 4Runner. Under the hood, the GX460 uses the tried and true 4.6L V8 known for its dependability. Off road the GX460 offers terrain select and crawl control and a center locking differential. While the GX460’s AWD system and off road technology make it one of the most capable platforms off road, it’s urban styling handicap it’s off road approach and departure angles.
The Land Rover Defender 110 is the new kid on the block (without getting into the entire storied history of the 110 model that has actually been around for decades but was just recently reintroduced to the world). It has more modern styling and a cabin that is bristling with electronics, touch screens and feature comforts. It prefers a smaller, turbo-charged 4 cylinder engine over the tried but tired V8 platform. It also includes terrain select, crawl control and locking differentials but adds air bag assisted height control, wrap-around camera views, and interior storage options catering to off road and overland enthusiasts. It’s approach and departure angle are so aggressive they compete with the Jeep Wrangler.
So do these two vehicles really compare at all? Well, yes. And no. You see, the GX460 hasn’t changed since 2013 and lacks many of the technological advancements found in the Rover. That’s a good thing for many – proven driveline, engine and interior features that are known to last. Many GX460’s will log more than 300,000 miles during their life. It’s a luxury vehicle that’s showing it’s age but the devotees don’t really seem to care about that – they love the GX460 for all it has (and what it doesn’t). The Land Rover is a completely new platform with a modern styling and engine, driveline and interiors to match. While the Land Rover has a history chock full of off road adventures (think Camel Trophy Series) only time will tell if it is adopted by off road enthusiasts. Because it’s a new platform some may wait to determine its reliability (early models have definitely encountered challenges). There’s also a cache about owning a Land Rover that the GX460 lacks. Most Defender 110 owners will appreciate what their vehicles can do off road, without ever actually hitting the gravel road.
Here is a table comparing specifications between the Lexus GX460 and the Land Rover Defender 110:
| Specification | Lexus GX460 | Land Rover Defender 110 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $58,525 – $69,180 | $53,500 – $94,380 |
| Engine | 4.6-liter V8 | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 301 hp | 296 hp |
| Torque | 329 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 15/19 mpg | 17/22 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 5, 6 or 7 |
| Cargo Volume | 64.7 cu ft | 78.8 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 6,500 lbs | 8,201 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches | 11.5 inches |
| Approach Angle | 21 degrees | 38 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 23 degrees | 40 degrees |
| Curb Weight | 5,198 lbs | 4,600 – 5,000 lbs |
| Length | 192.1 inches | 180.4 – 197.6 inches |
| Width | 74.2 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 74.2 inches | 77.5 – 77.8 inches |
Note: All specifications listed are for the 2022 model year.
The Lexus GX460 and the Land Rover Defender 110 are both capable off-road SUVs, but there are some key differences between them. Here are some of the main ways in which they compare:
- Price: The base price of the Lexus GX460 is slightly higher than the base price of the Land Rover Defender 110, but the Defender options and models can push the base price much higher than the GX460.
- Engine: The Lexus GX460 has a larger V8 engine, while the Land Rover Defender 110 has a smaller turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. However, both engines produce similar horsepower and torque.
- Transmission: The Land Rover Defender 110 has an 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency than the 6-speed automatic transmission in the Lexus GX460.
- Seating Capacity: The Lexus GX460 can seat up to 7 passengers, while the Land Rover Defender 110 can seat 5, 6, or 7 passengers depending on the configuration.
- Cargo Space: The Land Rover Defender 110 has significantly more cargo space than the Lexus GX460, with up to 78.8 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the GX460’s 64.7 cubic feet.
- Off-Road Capability: Both SUVs are capable off-road vehicles with four-wheel drive, but the Land Rover Defender 110 has superior ground clearance, approach angle, and departure angle. This means that it is better equipped to tackle challenging terrain.
Ultimately, the choice between the Lexus GX460 and the Land Rover Defender 110 will come down to personal preference, priorities, and budget.