Land Rover Defender 130 vs Lexus GX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 25 Jun 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$136,000RRP
- with the Lexus GX's standard kit: $136,000 (nothing to add; 3 with no data, not charged)
$119,950RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Land Rover Defender 130 starts from $136,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus GX opens at $119,950. That makes the Lexus GX the more affordable entry point by $16,050.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $149,600 and $131,945 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Land Rover Defender 130 by roughly $5,985 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Land Rover Defender 130
- REC-006645 · published 2 Jul 2026Driver airbag clock spring connector fretting corrosionYear range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006642 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the connection to the driver’s airbag clock spring may corrode over time and lead to an increased resistance in the airbag circuit.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2026
- REC-006638 · published 2 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the front-end auxiliary drive belt idler pulley may over rotate and cause damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- 7 more on the model page.
Lexus GX
- REC-006617 · published 3 Jun 2026Due to a software error, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual engine oil pressure light, engine coolant temperature, electrical charge, and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006478 · published 11 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, there is a possibility of engine machining debris contamination within the engine.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006303 · published 5 Mar 2025Due to an error in the fitting instructions for the optional accessory Electric Brake Controller, the Lower Driver’s Airbag Assembly (removed during accessory fitment) may have been reinstalled using the incorrect torque.Year range on the notice: 2024
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Land Rover Defender 130 features a 11.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus GX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Land Rover Defender 130 stands out with Meridian audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus GX. The Lexus GX counters with head-up display, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Land Rover Defender 130 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus GX offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Land Rover Defender 130 uses a 3.0 i6 D350 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 257kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.
The Lexus GX responds with a Petrol making 260kW and 650Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Lexus GX has the clear power advantage at 260kW vs 257kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender 130 is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Land Rover Defender 130 measures 5,099mm long on a 3,022mm wheelbase, 84mm longer than the Lexus GX at 5,015mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender 130 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 389L in the Land Rover Defender 130 and 390L in the Lexus GX, giving the Lexus GX a 1L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus GX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m to 12.8m
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130 and $3,506/year for the Lexus GX. That is a $1,197 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 130) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus GX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Land Rover Defender 130 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus GX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Land Rover Defender 130: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 62, but the Lexus GX is $16,050 cheaper
The Land Rover Defender 130 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 62), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Land Rover Defender 130 ahead by 38), reliability (Lexus GX ahead by 15), safety (Lexus GX ahead by 6). The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $1,197 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX?
The Lexus GX is the cheapest at $119,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Land Rover Defender 130 by $16,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Land Rover Defender 130 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus GX has the largest boot at 390L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus GX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus GX makes the most power at 260kW. The Land Rover Defender 130 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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