Introduction
The Land Rover Defender effortlessly combines luxury with ruggedness, blending modern style with off-road capability. Despite its starting price of AED 240,000 for the base model and over AED 260,000 for the Defender 110 variant, it faces competition from the upcoming 2024 Land Cruiser Prado, arriving this year in UAE. Also, Lexus is set to unveil the 2024 Lexus GX in the UAE, expected to be priced similarly to the Defender. We'll compare the Defender and the new GX, examining factors such as their platforms, engine setups, available trims, interior and exterior designs, and off-road performance.
Platform
Land Rover Defender:
The Land Rover Defender is built on the robust D7 platform, borrowed from its prestigious siblings like the Range Rover and Discovery. This platform is renowned for its durability and adaptability, offering a solid foundation for both on-road refinement and off-the-road prowess.
2024 Lexus GX:
In contrast, the all-new Lexus GX shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, leveraging the GA-F platform. For a body-on-frame SUV with three rows, this platform ensures versatility and reliability, it also hints at the GX's capability to tackle diverse terrains with ease.
Design
Land Rover Defender:
The design ethos of the Land Rover Defender is rooted in functionality and heritage. Its iconic silhouette and short overhangs exude an aura of rugged elegance, while the interior offers versatile seating configurations and premium amenities, ensuring a luxurious experience no matter the terrain.
2024 Lexus GX:
The design of the new Lexus GX strikes a balance between ruggedness and sophistication. With its bold exterior styling and modern interior features, the GX offers a premium driving experience. However, its focus on a 7-seat configuration may limit its appeal to larger families or those requiring additional cargo space.
Off-road Dynamics
Land Rover Defender:
Renowned for its off-road prowess, the Land Rover Defender sets the benchmark for adventure-ready SUVs. With features like permanent all-wheel drive and configurable Terrain Response, it conquers the most challenging terrains with confidence and ease with a towing capacity of 3.7 tonnes.
2024 Lexus GX:
The new Lexus GX is no slouch when it comes to off-road capabilities. Equipped with advanced systems like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, it offers unparalleled traction and stability on rough terrain and has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. The inclusion of a 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor further enhances visibility, ensuring a safe and controlled off-road experience.
Variants
Land Rover Defender:
Offering a plethora of variants, the Land Rover Defender caters to a wide range of preferences. From the compact Defender 90 to the spacious Defender 130, there's a model for every adventure seeker. With multiple trim levels and customization options, the Defender allows for personalized luxury and performance.
2024 Lexus GX:
The new Lexus GX is available in six distinct variants, each offering its own set of features and amenities. From the base Premium model to the top-tier Overtrail+, Lexus ensures that every driver finds the perfect blend of luxury and capability.
Engines
Land Rover Defender:
With a range of powertrain options, the Land Rover Defender delivers exhilarating performance on and off the road. Whether it's the efficient 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 or the potent 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid, there's an engine to suit every driving style.
| Specification | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Petrol | 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo petrol | 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid |
| Power | 296hp / 296hp | 395hp | 398hp |
| Torque | 400Nm / 470Nm | 550Nm | 640Nm |
| Transmission | eight-speed automatic | eight-speed automatic | eight-speed automatic |
2024 Lexus GX:
The new Lexus GX offers two formidable engine options globally, including a robust
| Specification | 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol |
| Power | 349hp |
| Torque | 649Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Additionally, there's the choice of a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid engine paired with an automatic transmission, although Lexus hasn't released any details about this engine yet.
Safety
Land Rover Defender:
Safety is paramount in the Land Rover Defender, with a suite of advanced features designed to protect occupants in any situation. From stability control to pre-tensioners and a comprehensive security system, the Defender prioritizes peace of mind on every journey.
2024 Lexus GX:
Equipped with the Lexus Safety System (LSS+) 3.0, the 2024 Lexus GX offers cutting-edge safety features to mitigate risks and enhance driver confidence. With features like the Pre-Collision System and Lane Departure Alert, the new GX ensures a secure and stress-free driving experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Land Rover Defender and the 2024 Lexus GX represent the epitome of luxury SUVs, each offering a unique blend of style, performance, and off-road capability. Whether you prioritize heritage and ruggedness or modern refinement and technology, both vehicles excel in their respective domains. Ultimately, the choice between these two titans comes down to personal preference and lifestyle needs.
