Newby looking to buy Defender vs GX550
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Newby looking to buy Defender vs GX550
I'm considering buying a 2022 Defender vs the 2024 Lexus GX (I can get it for MSRP). Is there anything to focus on when inspecting the Defender? Given the option which vehicle would you choose? And which options are must haves? TIA
Last edited by tbone44; Dec 25, 2024 at 09:51 PM.
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: USA
Test drive both and see which one you like the best. You are asking a bunch of die-hard Defender fans which one you should pick. We will all tell you to go with the Defender, which is a better vehicle than the Lexus GX. Since the 2022 Defender is probably still under factory warranty, it would be nice to have a certified Defender so that you do not have any warranty issues. If you go the Lexus route, make sure all the recalls have been taken care of. Lexus and Toyota have had a lot of catastrophic engine failures, so buyer beware.
I personally think the front of the Lexus with its hideous grill is butt ugly, but that is just my opinion. What matters in your decision is only your choice.
I personally think the front of the Lexus with its hideous grill is butt ugly, but that is just my opinion. What matters in your decision is only your choice.
I was debating this very same decision earlier this year. I called up a local Lexus dealership in July - they had 3 of them on their website - and I asked if I could schedule a test drive.
Dealer: "Well, uhh well, those aren't actually here. Those are all vehicles that are pre-sold. We don't actually have one here that you could test drive."
Me: "oh ok. When do you expect one in that I could come look at?"
Dealer: "Well, uhmm... not anytime soon. All of the GX's we're getting are all pre-sold. There's a list if you want to order one."
Me: "How long is the list?"
Dealer: "About 150 long, if you're a Maine resident, I can get you in at around 100 though."
Me: "Oh. Wow. Ok. If I put in an order today how long would it take to get my vehicle."
Dealer: "Right now we're looking at a year."
Me: "Defender here I come."
Disclaimer: I've owned a Toyota FJ since 2008 when I drove it brand new off the dealer lot. I've only really started to have any serious issues with it now that its got 177k on the odomoter and its rusting away to nothing underneath... the only thing I've ever had to replace on it - outside of normal maintenance items - were an alternator and two window regulators (those were my fault really) - so I was fully on board with the Toyota quality hype train.
Needless to say, in the past few months that hype train has taken a big hit due to the engine recall. The GX so far has been spared the recall, but it's definitely left that question in the back of my mind whether or not Toyota has fallen off that perch of immaculate quality. Also - all of my offroading buddies (the non H1 ones) are Toyota guys since they are the only ones that would let me tag along... the Jeepers never wanted me to come have fun with them. Boo-hisssss.
The pricing of the GX vs the Defender is really nice. For $71k new you can get a nice Overtrail with rock sliders and a roof rack. Pretty much all you need IMO. Don't have to worry about a hybrid system. Its got the eKDSS suspension. The new infotainment is great to use (although you can't split screen with it). There's a lot to like with the GX and I'm still considering one to replace my FJ. They don't apparently have seat setting memory which is a huge issue - and people have complained that the interiors are dark and boring on the inside.
The ride quality won't be as good as an air suspension Defender. The GX appears to have more cargo area room as long as you don't get the 3rd row. The Defender has more power. The two, to me, are very very competitive with each other.
Dealer: "Well, uhh well, those aren't actually here. Those are all vehicles that are pre-sold. We don't actually have one here that you could test drive."
Me: "oh ok. When do you expect one in that I could come look at?"
Dealer: "Well, uhmm... not anytime soon. All of the GX's we're getting are all pre-sold. There's a list if you want to order one."
Me: "How long is the list?"
Dealer: "About 150 long, if you're a Maine resident, I can get you in at around 100 though."
Me: "Oh. Wow. Ok. If I put in an order today how long would it take to get my vehicle."
Dealer: "Right now we're looking at a year."
Me: "Defender here I come."
Disclaimer: I've owned a Toyota FJ since 2008 when I drove it brand new off the dealer lot. I've only really started to have any serious issues with it now that its got 177k on the odomoter and its rusting away to nothing underneath... the only thing I've ever had to replace on it - outside of normal maintenance items - were an alternator and two window regulators (those were my fault really) - so I was fully on board with the Toyota quality hype train.
Needless to say, in the past few months that hype train has taken a big hit due to the engine recall. The GX so far has been spared the recall, but it's definitely left that question in the back of my mind whether or not Toyota has fallen off that perch of immaculate quality. Also - all of my offroading buddies (the non H1 ones) are Toyota guys since they are the only ones that would let me tag along... the Jeepers never wanted me to come have fun with them. Boo-hisssss.
The pricing of the GX vs the Defender is really nice. For $71k new you can get a nice Overtrail with rock sliders and a roof rack. Pretty much all you need IMO. Don't have to worry about a hybrid system. Its got the eKDSS suspension. The new infotainment is great to use (although you can't split screen with it). There's a lot to like with the GX and I'm still considering one to replace my FJ. They don't apparently have seat setting memory which is a huge issue - and people have complained that the interiors are dark and boring on the inside.
The ride quality won't be as good as an air suspension Defender. The GX appears to have more cargo area room as long as you don't get the 3rd row. The Defender has more power. The two, to me, are very very competitive with each other.
I've had some seat time in the new GX and I really like it. Lexus nailed it for the most part. Aside from the massive recall, the powertrain is refined, powerful. and smooth, but I will say the Defender P400 is more powerful, and more refined. An I6 will always be smoother and more refined than any V6. I6 engines are naturally balanced. The Defender on both air suspension and has a better ride than the GX IMO, and the Defender's driving dynamics are far superior to the GX. The Defender rides like a luxury car, and has the driving dynamics of one, too. The air suspension comes with adaptive dampers for a smoother ride, better body control and increased ground clearance and articulation over the coil springs. That's not saying the GX rides poorly - it doesn't. It still feels truck-ish, but that's not a bad thing. I drove a GX550 Luxury on fixed dampers and the ride quality was good. I'm sure the e-KDSS suspension on the GX is fantastic both on and off-road giving you excellent ride quality and articulation.
Inside, I prefer the Defender, as the layout is easier to use, it has a better seating position and I prefer the infotainment. Both JLR and Toyota/Lexus historically have had dreadful infotainment systems. This is no longer the case, as both the JLR Pivi Pro and Lexus Interface Multimedia systems are world-class. The two Meridian sound systems in the Defender are good, but not amazing. The older Meridian systems in JLR products sound better than the new ones. The standard Lexus system is also good, but the optional Mark Levinson system is fantastic. I prefer the seats in the Defender, and while they are firmer than the Lexus, I find them to be more supportive, and have better side bolstering. The interior of the GX is nice, but there are some hard, scratchy plastics in places you would expect to find soft-touch materials, and I do think it is a bit dark and dreary regardless of which interior color you choose. @H1Tad mentioned that they don't have memory seats, but the GX550 Luxury that I drove had a memory driver's seat, as well as massaging front seats - something you can't get on the Defender with the exception of the limited-run OCTA. Both are great tow vehicles, but the Lexus has the edge over the Defender, with a maximum 9000 lb. towing capacity vs a maximum of 8200 for the Defender.
For around $72k you can get a well-equipped Defender P300, but bumping up to a well-equipped P400 will set you back $80k. The GX is well-equipped at $70k, and around $80k for all the luxury features. Overall, these cars are very close, but I still prefer the Defender. I prefer the styling, the interior, the driving dynamics and on paper, the Defender is better off-road than the GX, having better approach/breakover/departure angles, more ground clearance and a higher wading depth. You can't go wrong with either, but I'll take the Defender every time.
Inside, I prefer the Defender, as the layout is easier to use, it has a better seating position and I prefer the infotainment. Both JLR and Toyota/Lexus historically have had dreadful infotainment systems. This is no longer the case, as both the JLR Pivi Pro and Lexus Interface Multimedia systems are world-class. The two Meridian sound systems in the Defender are good, but not amazing. The older Meridian systems in JLR products sound better than the new ones. The standard Lexus system is also good, but the optional Mark Levinson system is fantastic. I prefer the seats in the Defender, and while they are firmer than the Lexus, I find them to be more supportive, and have better side bolstering. The interior of the GX is nice, but there are some hard, scratchy plastics in places you would expect to find soft-touch materials, and I do think it is a bit dark and dreary regardless of which interior color you choose. @H1Tad mentioned that they don't have memory seats, but the GX550 Luxury that I drove had a memory driver's seat, as well as massaging front seats - something you can't get on the Defender with the exception of the limited-run OCTA. Both are great tow vehicles, but the Lexus has the edge over the Defender, with a maximum 9000 lb. towing capacity vs a maximum of 8200 for the Defender.
For around $72k you can get a well-equipped Defender P300, but bumping up to a well-equipped P400 will set you back $80k. The GX is well-equipped at $70k, and around $80k for all the luxury features. Overall, these cars are very close, but I still prefer the Defender. I prefer the styling, the interior, the driving dynamics and on paper, the Defender is better off-road than the GX, having better approach/breakover/departure angles, more ground clearance and a higher wading depth. You can't go wrong with either, but I'll take the Defender every time.
Seems that the lack of memory seats is on the Overtrail trim (which is the only trim level that I would be personally interested in). Its available in the Overtrail+ package but thats an $8k upgrade.
Overlanding
Joined: Dec 2024
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I looked at both, and made the decision to order a defender, primarily because of the towing. Yes, the Lexus has a higher overall tow rating of 9000 vs 8200, but the Lexus requires a weight distributing hitch when towing more than 5000 lbs. A WDH is a pain to use, and is less than ideal on a boat trailer with surge brakes.
This minor detail was only found in the Lexus owner’s manual.
This minor detail was only found in the Lexus owner’s manual.
