“Off-Road Refinement”
Before I delve into this very deep rabbit hole, please let me warn you, there will be a lot of different model designations and crossover references mentioned. But in the end, I believe I will have unravelled the mystery that is the Land Cruiser. To begin with, the nameplate dates back to the 1950’s, and it is those early iterations that represent the iconic image most people will have of the Land Cruiser, i.e., the boxy, Jeep-like 4×4 they imagine racing through the deserts and plains of Africa in. However, since then the Land Cruiser has evolved greatly, like many other nameplates (most notably the Nissan Armada, aka Nissan Patrol).
Over the years, the Land Cruiser has always remained a purpose built, reliable, go anywhere workhorse. We, in North America, have just had to live without it, that is until about the mid-1990s, when Lexus essentially rebadged the then sixth generation J80 Land Cruiser as the LX 450. The LX gave the Land Cruiser a more upgraded and refined interior and a more supple suspension. This remained the course for nearly three decades. The only way for North Americans to taste the forbidden fruit that was the Land Cruiser was as a Lexus LX (not a bad trade off, given the premium upgrades it was afforded over its Toyota counterpart).
Fast forward to 2025 and everything changed. Toyota launches an all-new Land Cruiser (one that harkens back to its boxy ancestry) and for the first time, releases it to North American buyers. The nameplate, however, to avoid enraging its Lexus clientele, is rebadged as the Lexus GX, an upgraded and more refined Land Cruiser, if you will. Now, to add further to our Land Cruiser mystery, Lexus still sells the LX, but, it is no longer the Land Cruiser name de plume.
I would also like to point out that the price point gap between the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX is about $85,000.00 vs. $105,000 (a $20,000.00 divide). What does this $20,000.00 divide give you, you ask? Well, firstly the Lexus is, well, a Lexus. It also gives you 22-inch alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather upholstery in the front and second rows, power-adjustable front-row seats with a massage feature, rear sunshades, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system with a 14-inch display, illuminated aluminum scuff plates, traffic jam assist, front cross-traffic alert, driver monitor, and lane change assist.
The Toyota, in contrast, gives you 20-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Toyota Multimedia with Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, plus a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and 14-speaker JBL Premium audio system, head up display, digital key, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Driver Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, a centre console cooler box, leather upholstery, power adjustable front row seats, driver’s seat memory system, and a digital rear view mirror.
All of these are nominal increases that let your GX stand out from your Land Cruiser neighbour. However, the biggest difference lurks under that masculine, chiselled hood. The GX series all get a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic with paddle shifters. The Toyota, instead, gets a 2.4L turbocharged engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission via an electric motor in the bell housing.
The GX produces a distinctly different driving feel that exudes confidence and never feels taxed. The 10-speed transmission executes shifts flawlessly and with minimal perception. It never feels like it is hunting or lagging to find the correct gear, no matter the demands it faces. The turbo V6 produces 349 peak hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, giving it a towing capacity just over 9,000 lbs. In contrast, the Land Cruiser achieves 326 horsepower, 465 lb-ft of torque and a significantly lower towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.
Being a Land Cruiser upgrade, the GX is a full ladder frame vehicle with full time 4-wheel drive and five multi-terrain settings. The GX has the ability to lock differentials for really rough terrain and the boxy design provides for great approach and departure angles as you use crawl and hill descent features. Because of this off-road capability, you do sacrifice some on-road performance, with a slightly more truck-like drive and feel.
Inside, the GX presents an upscale, refined environment. You are met with satin aluminum accents, semi-aniline leather seating, and soft touch surfaces. The 14-inch Infotainment screen provides an ample and clear view of all critical Spotify information. It is touch-responsive and also includes analog dials to control HVAC settings (a nice touch of old school, tactile interaction). The gear lever is still a traditional stock, covered in leather and satin aluminum and feels rich under your hand. Overall legroom for rows one and two is ample. Row three is usable, but, it nearly eliminates your usable trunk space, leaving only enough room for a handful of grocery bags. There are ample USB-C ports for all your family’s charging needs and a 120V outlet in the cargo area. Some would argue that the GX is superfluous or unnecessary, given that the Land Cruiser is now available in North America in full form. I would beg to differ. The GX does offer a level of distinction that is not available in the Land Cruiser line. From the drivetrain and interior refinements, the GX is in a class of its own and allows the brand to compete with other luxurious off-road offerings from the likes of Mercedes, Range Rover and Land Rover.
