Land Rover Defender 90 vs Lexus RZ
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 90 starts from $98,400 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $91,000. That makes the Lexus RZ the more affordable entry point by $7,400.
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 $108,240 and $100,100 respectively.
The Lexus RZ qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Land Rover Defender 90, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Land Rover Defender 90 and Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Land Rover Defender 90 and 87% for the Lexus RZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Land Rover Defender 90 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Lexus RZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Land Rover Defender 90 adds a 360-degree camera that the Lexus RZ misses.
Feature Showdown
The Land Rover Defender 90 features a 11.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Land Rover Defender 90 stands out with wireless charging that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with head-up display, power tailgate, V2L and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Land Rover Defender 90 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RZ offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender 90 and 2-zone in the Lexus RZ.
Drivetrain
The Land Rover Defender 90 uses a 3.0 i6 Diesel Mild Hybrid producing 183kW and 570Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Lexus RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 230kW and 435Nm, paired to a automatic. It gets to 100km/h in 5 seconds.
The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 183kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 3.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Land Rover Defender 90 measures 4,323mm long on a 2,587mm wheelbase, 482mm shorter than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RZ generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90 and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Lexus RZ a 125L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.3m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Land Rover Defender 90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RZ takes 5 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Lexus RZ has a clear edge. 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 90 and Lexus RZ?
The Lexus RZ is the cheapest at $91,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Land Rover Defender 90 by $7,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Land Rover Defender 90 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Land Rover Defender 90 and Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RZ has the largest boot at 522L.
Which can tow the most?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 230kW. The Lexus RZ is quickest to 100km/h in 5s.
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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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