2025 Lexus GX vs Toyota Land Cruiser
Why Do People Compare These Luxury Off-Roaders?
Many people think that the Land Cruiser is just a cheaper version of the Lexus GX. After all, Lexus is the luxury brand associated with the Toyota brand.
However, that’s missing the point. The GX is the rare breed that manages to be both luxurious and wildly adventurous. This luxury SUV has stellar ratings at Car and Driver, US News and World Report, and other critics.
A 2025 GX delivers a premium experience at every touchpoint, justifying the investment for those who expect more from their SUV. Plus the entry level GX doesn’t really cost that much more than the Land Cruiser’s top trim. This indicates that some shoppers could buy either one.
From that standpoint, it is important to compare these two seriously. So whether you are just window shopping or are interested in a luxurious off-roader, this is the comparison to read.
Performance & Powertrain: Lexus Leads with Muscle and Refinement
Power and acceleration favors the Lexus. The GX is powered by a robust 349-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 479 lb-ft of torque through a smooth 10-speed automatic. This is a big reason that the SUV earned an Editors’ Choice Award at Car and Driver.
This setup ensures brisk acceleration and effortless power, especially when compared to the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. Its engine generates less horsepower and torque, despite the fact that the Toyota SUV needs as much power as the GX.
The Land Cruiser has been criticized for excessive nosedive during braking and heavier, less nimble steering. Every GX is engineered for confident, linear braking and composed on-road handling, a hallmark of the Lexus brand.
Adding to the luxury vibe, the GX delivers a refined, quiet engine note, while reviewers have described the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser engine as coarse and diesel-like, detracting from the luxury experience. If you are going to pay luxury prices, you have a right to expect luxury performance. 
Interior & Practicality: Lexus Delivers True Luxury
If you like choices, be aware that the 2025 Land Cruiser in Phoenix is offered in only two trims. There’s a GX to match every taste and need with trims ranging from the well-equipped Premium to the off-road-focused Overtrail and the ultra-luxurious Luxury+.
A third-row option is a feature that is no longer available on the Land Cruiser in Phoenix AZ. Meanwhile, the GX has a seven-passenger layout with options for five or six seats. This makes the GX a better fit for families and others who need extra seating.
Despite the Land Cruiser’s high price tag, it doesn’t have the same level of amenities as a true luxury ride. Nor does the Toyota achieve the pinnacle of materials and craftsmanship that is standard on the Lexus.
Every GX features higher-quality, more luxurious materials than the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser in Phoenix. Soft-touch surfaces, available semi-aniline leather, and elegant accents create a cabin that feels genuinely premium. The GX shines with available massaging front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. Phoenix shoppers will love that the GX offers ventilated seats for the first and second row. Learn more in this 2025 GX Review. 
Cargo Capability and Tow Ratings
Ready for big adventures, the Lexus GX boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 9,096 lbs, far outclassing the Toyota SUV’s 6,000 lbs. For those who need serious capability for boats, trailers, or campers, the GX is a better choice all around.
With thoughtful cargo area design and a user-friendly load height, loading and unloading is easier when you choose the GX. Power-folding third-row seats and a hands-free power liftgate add further convenience.
This is particularly important because the Land Cruiser is criticized for its cargo hold. Furthermore, the Toyota SUV is criticized for its lack of storage compartments in the passenger cabin.
Lexus Advantages
Lexus consistently ranks at the top for dependability, customer satisfaction, and dealership experience. In the 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, Lexus ranked highest overall for the third consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to quality and owner satisfaction. Toyota gets good marks, too, but doesn’t quite match the luxury brand.
The ownership experience is enhanced by choosing Lexus. While the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser has typical warranty coverage, the Lexus GX has longer coverage to help drivers enjoy stress-free ownership.
Other benefits include complimentary loaner vehicles, a 3-year subscription to Remote Connect, and some fun LexusCare VIP extras. 
Off-Road Capability: Rugged, But Refined
Built on the GA-F platform, the GX combines the strength needed for serious off-roading with the rigidity that enhances both safety and on-road comfort. Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control conquer tough terrain, ensuring the GX is as comfortable off-road as it is on the highway.
Dedicated off-road trims elevate the GX above the Land Cruiser in terms of capability. The GX Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims are engineered for adventure, with features like a one-inch suspension lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and the advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for superior wheel articulation.
At Earnhardt Lexus, you’ll find others who share your love of off-roading and adventure. Our staff will be happy to tell you more about the GX and its trail capabilities. Contact us.
Choose the Luxury SUV Benchmark
For Phoenix drivers seeking a vehicle that excels in both luxury and capability, the 2025 Lexus GX is the clear winner. It surpasses the Toyota Land Cruiser in refinement, amenities, towing, and overall ownership experience—delivering the kind of premium SUV that truly lives up to the Lexus name.
You can see for yourself with a visit to Earnhardt Lexus. Schedule a test drive.
Our No Bull prices and No Bull financing are ready to sweeten any deal. Our staff follows the Earnhardt tradition of providing excellent customer service. We are committed to giving every customer the luxury-level experience they deserve.
REVIEWS
”It's not hard to spend $70,000 on a high-end off-roader these days. If you do, make sure it's a new GX.”
The Drive
”The Lexus brand's most authentic mud-plugger is massively modernized and majorly upgraded.”
Car and Driver
Most new vehicles at Earnhardt Lexus include an “Arizona Window Tint Package” (sometimes referred to as the “Protection Package” or “No Bull Protection Package”) inclusive of highly-demanded, popular items designed to protect your investment such as window tint to help shield your interior from the intense Arizona sun. Price of the “Arizona Window Tint Package” is $579 at this dealership for most Cars, Vans, CUVs and SUVs. For some specific vehicles a Clear-Bra has been added and will be reflected accordingly in the price-stack. Actual vehicle sale price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer installed accessories, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
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