Land Rover Defender 90 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 90 starts from $98,400 before on-road costs, while the Lexus GX opens at $119,950. That makes the Land Rover Defender 90 the more affordable entry point by $21,550.
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 $131,945 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Land Rover Defender 90 by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Land Rover Defender 90 and Lexus GX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 4 in the Lexus GX.
Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Land Rover Defender 90 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Lexus GX. The Lexus GX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 GX responds with a Petrol making 262kW and 650Nm, paired to a 10-speed auto driving the rear wheels.
The Lexus GX has the clear power advantage at 262kW vs 183kW. 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, 632mm shorter than the Lexus GX at 4,955mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus GX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 397L in the Land Rover Defender 90 and 390L in the Lexus GX, giving the Land Rover Defender 90 a 7L advantage. The Lexus GX seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Lexus GX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m diameter
Average
Based on 11.3m 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 90 and $2,850/year for the Lexus GX. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Land Rover Defender 90.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Land Rover Defender 90) vs $2,850 (Lexus GX). The Land Rover Defender 90 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 90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus GX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Land Rover Defender 90 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Land Rover's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus GX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Land Rover Defender 90 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Land Rover Defender 90 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 90 and Lexus GX?
The Land Rover Defender 90 is the cheapest at $98,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus GX by $21,550.
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 GX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Land Rover Defender 90 has the largest boot at 397L.
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 GX makes the most power at 262kW.
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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