2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the second generation continued into 2020 with some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which looked better on the GX than on the larger LX. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX retained its decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, known for its rugged capability.

Inside, the GX's age was even more apparent. The cabin featured a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this interior might not suit a new Lexus RX, it worked for the GX's rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and a power sunroof to heated and ventilated seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the vibe of its predecessors while bringing the SUV into the modern era. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with composite cladding. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and the SUV had short overhangs front and rear, giving it a capable and planted look. The Defender's fit and finish were first-rate, with a bold yet tasteful "DEFENDER" nameplate on the front and rear.

Inside, the Defender's theme of exposed structure was prominent. The dash appeared to be held between two horizontal beams, with exposed Allen-head bolts securing the door panels. The controls were beefy, and the leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious. The digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean, and the interior felt authentic, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While these specs might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light but direct and responsive, and the self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes, adjustable suspension height, and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On the road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. It had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender's driving character was solid and comfortable on highways and capable in city driving and light off-road conditions.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided a small access way to the third row and a natural barrier between kids. However, getting into the third row was a chore for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The GX had a unique side-opening rear hatch and a separately opening rear window/hatch for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender rode on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat between the front seats for three-across seating and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 had 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door Defender 90 had 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 58.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2020 Lexus GX's touchscreen infotainment setup showed its age, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering simplicity over modern Lexus systems.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Defender featured the new Pivi Pro system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view. The Defender offered a six-speaker audio system, with upgrades to 10 or 14 speakers and Meridian sound systems. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with an extensive list of standard safety features. These included a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability.