A thorough comparison of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX models

Toyota plans to release the cross-country SUV “Land Cruiser 250” in Japan on April 18, 2024. At the same time, Toyota will introduce the new Lexus brand “GX” to Japan for the first time, scheduled for release on April 17, 2024. Both vehicles are sister models and positioned as compact SUVs in the same segment. Therefore, it is possible to compare the two vehicles based on their specifications as competing models. We have summarized what is the same and what is different between them.

What kind of car is the new Lexus GX?

The new GX is a sister model to the Land Cruiser Prado. The development concept of this vehicle, as “The Premium Off-Roader,” has evolved with the aim of providing an exciting experience in a variety of situations, from harsh, rough roads to paved city streets.

• It is presented as a full-fledged off-road vehicle from the Lexus brand.
• It uses the same “GA-F platform” as the “LX.”

This vehicle uses the same new “GA-F platform” as the “LX” and is equipped with a V6 twin-turbo engine to dramatically improve basic vehicle performance such as quietness, power output, and fuel economy. Furthermore, to improve off-road driving performance while maintaining traditional rough road performance, further evolution has been achieved through the adoption of the E-KDSS (Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), a first for Lexus .

In terms of on-road driving performance, the high rigidity of each part and the adoption of EPS ensure that, despite being a full-fledged off-road vehicle, the vehicle still offers the ride comfort you expect from a Lexus. Linear steering response and other features allow the driver to enjoy a more intuitive feel.

The exterior design is characterized by “a design that pursues proportions and uniqueness rooted in functional essence and dynamic performance.” This not only provides high driving performance but also expresses the individuality of a full-fledged off-road vehicle. The exterior is designed to stimulate high off-road capability and a sense of adventure, while also allowing the driver to drive comfortably on any road.

• The new Lexus is equipped with a 12.3-inch full LCD meter and a large 14-inch infotainment system.
• It features a newly designed interior layout and seats up to seven people.
• Captain seats are available for the second row seats.

The interior offers a modern, comfortable space that ensures visibility even when driving off-road, is equipped with highly user-friendly functions, and provides a sense of security in any environment. This interior is designed based on the unique “Tazuna Concept” cockpit design, which further evolves the “human-centered” philosophy. It also features a newly designed interior layout and seats up to seven people.

The 12.3-inch full-screen instrument cluster and central HVAC vent have been moved to a larger 14-inch infotainment system, which sits much lower in the dashboard, to accommodate wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls for the climate and audio remain, but dedicated buttons for the vehicle’s off-road functions have been relocated near the gear selector.

Is Toyota’s new Land Cruiser 250 worth buying?

• The exterior incorporates the latest design elements while still retaining the look of a traditional, authentic off-road vehicle .
• The Land Cruiser 250 is available in a special edition called the “First Edition.”
• It is available in two different looks, with the base model featuring triple LED headlights and the “1958” grade featuring round headlights .

The exterior design pursues high driving performance, expressing “proportions and uniqueness rooted in functional essence and dynamic capability.” This design maintains the image of a serious off-roader, while aiming for a design that allows for comfortable driving on any road. From the side, the Land Cruiser 250 is almost reminiscent of the 70-series Toyota Land Cruiser. The mirrors are also large and boxy in the old-fashioned style. The rear also features a simple design, with a full-length light bar below the large rear window that can be opened and closed separately from the new standard power tailgate.

The Land Cruiser 250’s body dimensions are 4,925mm in length, 1,980mm in width, 1,870mm in height, and 2,850mm in wheelbase. Compared to the conventional Prado, it has been extended by 100mm in length, 95mm in width, 20mm in height, and 60mm in wheelbase.

The new Land Cruiser 250 is available in two different designs: the base model features triple LED headlights, while the 1958 trim level features round headlights.

Toyota’s new Land Cruiser 250: Which is better, the round or square headlights?

Personally, I recommend the “round headlight” exterior. Many popular off-road SUV models use this design, and there are many crossover SUVs with unique round headlights, from Japanese cars to overseas models. However, it’s important to note that if one model becomes too popular due to differences in exterior design, the number of units sold may exceed the planned number, which could result in different delivery times after purchase.

• It features a 12.3-inch TFT display full LCD digital meter .
• It comes equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and connected navigation system.
• Equipped with an electric parking brake (with hold function).

The interior has evolved to a more modern design compared to the previous model, with LCD panels used for meters and other parts. It also features LED interior lighting and an electric parking brake (with hold function), and is equipped with a variety of user-friendly features while also taking into consideration functionality such as visibility when driving off-road. It offers a modern and comfortable interior space that gives customers peace of mind in any environment, and also features a newly designed interior layout and seating for up to seven people.

The 12.3-inch TFT full-digital meter and central HVAC vent have been moved lower on the dashboard to accommodate a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Physical controls for the climate and audio remain, but dedicated buttons for the vehicle’s off-road functions have been placed near the gear selector.

Exterior comparison between Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX

When it comes to exterior design, both models have completely different designs, but the Land Cruiser 250 has a more traditional design, while the GX has a more advanced design.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250

The exterior design employs a “design that pursues proportions and uniqueness rooted in functional essence and dynamic performance” to provide high driving performance. This design is expressed as a full-fledged off-roader. Notably, it has two different faces. One features square-shaped triple LED headlights, while the other has a round headlight design.

Lexus GX

The exterior design, in order to achieve high driving performance, employs a “design that pursues proportions and uniqueness rooted in functional essence and dynamic performance.” This expresses the image of a full-fledged off-roader. The exterior is designed to stimulate high off-road capability and a sense of adventure, while also allowing the driver to drive comfortably on any road.

Body size comparison between Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX550

The body size is almost the same, with the overall length being +25mm, which is the discrepancy. The approach angle, departure angle, and ramp breakover angle are almost the same, but the Land Cruiser 250 has a better approach angle, making it more suitable for outdoor use.

Comparing the interiors of the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX

The biggest difference in the interior is that the GX features a larger 14-inch infotainment system.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250

The interior features LED interior lighting and an electric parking brake (with hold function). It offers a modern, comfortable interior space that provides customers with peace of mind in any environment, with a variety of user-friendly features, while also taking into consideration functionality such as visibility when driving off-road. It also features a newly designed interior layout and can accommodate up to seven people.

Additionally, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and central HVAC vent have been moved lower on the dashboard to accommodate a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Physical controls for the climate and audio remain, but a dedicated button for the vehicle’s off-road functions has been placed near the gear selector.

Lexus GX

The interior is equipped with a variety of user-friendly features, while also taking into consideration visibility and functionality when driving off-road, providing a modern and comfortable interior space that gives customers a sense of security in any environment.The vehicle also features a newly designed interior layout and seats up to seven people.

Additionally, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and central HVAC vent have been moved lower on the dashboard to accommodate a larger 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Physical controls for the climate and audio remain, but a dedicated button for the vehicle’s off-road functions has been placed near the gear selector.

Comparison of Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX powertrains

The biggest difference in powertrain is the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo V35A-FTS and 2.4L inline 4-cylinder T24A-FTS turbo engines installed in the GX, which have completely different specifications from the 2.8L inline 4 clean diesel engine and 2.7L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine installed in the Land Cruiser 250.

Toyota Land Cruiser 250

The engines available are a 2.8L inline-4 clean diesel engine and a 2.7L inline-4 direct injection engine. The 2.8L inline-4 clean diesel engine combines next-generation, highly insulated diesel combustion with a compact, highly efficient turbocharger to deliver a maximum output of 150kW (204PS) and a maximum torque of 500Nm. The 2.7L inline-4 direct injection engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission (Super-ECT) and delivers a maximum output of 120kW (163PS) and a maximum torque of 246Nm.

Lexus GX

The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 “V35A-FTS” delivers 349 hp (354 PS/260 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, 46 Nm more than the old V8. It’s mated to a direct-shift 10-speed automatic transmission, and towing capacity is rated at 3,629 kg with the standard tow hitch. Full-time four-wheel drive remains standard.

The hybrid system combines a highly thermally efficient inline 4-cylinder 2.4L “T24A-FTS” turbo engine with a newly developed direct shift 8-speed automatic transmission and a front module that integrates a motor and wet clutch. This system produces a maximum output of 243kW (330PS) and a maximum torque of 630Nm.

Finally, our own survey results

We conducted a survey about the GX in the latest car information section. The results are as follows:

If people had the option to buy either the Land Cruiser 250 or the GX, the overwhelming majority of people would choose the GX, so it’s sure to be extremely popular.

summary

The new GX, Lexus’ most off-road-oriented model, is a sister model to the Land Cruiser 250 and uses the same new GA-F platform as the LX. From this perspective, the similarities with the Land Cruiser series are perhaps natural. However, I think it’s a great new attempt by the Lexus brand to move away from luxury and into a lineup of outdoor-oriented models. Looking at the overseas car market, Land Rover has a lineup of the Defender, a luxury outdoor model, which I think is quite competitive.

The biggest difference between the Japanese models is the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo V35A-FTS and 2.4L inline-four T24A-FTS turbo engines installed in the GX, which have completely different specifications from the 2.8L inline-four clean diesel engine and 2.7L inline-four direct injection engine installed in the Land Cruiser 250. Even taking into account the price difference, there are plenty of reasons to choose the GX. We hope this information will be helpful when making your purchase.