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.
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 $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 130 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus GX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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 that you will not find on 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 262kW and 650Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Lexus GX has the clear power advantage at 262kW vs 257kW. In the real-world sprint, 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 3,587mm wheelbase, 144mm longer than the Lexus GX at 4,955mm (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.
12.0m 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 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Land Rover Defender 130 and $2,850/year for the Lexus GX. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 130.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 130) vs $2,850 (Lexus GX). The Land Rover Defender 130 saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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
The Lexus GX takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Land Rover Defender 130 will save you roughly $541 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.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Land Rover Defender 130 and Lexus GX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus GX has the largest boot at 390L.
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 262kW. 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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