2026 Lexus GX vs. 2026 Land Rover Defender Comparison

There are run-of-the-mill SUVs, and then there are run-right-up-and-over-the-mill SUVs like the 2026 Lexus GX and 2026 Land Rover Defender 110. These two titans are capable of extreme off-road driving, though they’re equally at home parked outside the swankiest restaurant in a city center. 

The GX and Defender are upscale in design and amenities, and both wear styling that appears to have been developed by a team of Lego engineers. If being square is cool, the GX and Defender are as hip as it gets in the realm of luxurious all-terrain SUVs.  

Let’s explore the highlights of the Lexus GX and Land Rover Defender 110.

2026 Lexus GX

The 2026 Lexus GX was all-new for 2024 and carries over with few changes. Because the GX shares its rugged body-on-frame chassis capable Toyota trucks and SUVs, it has credible off-road chops. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. 

Power is sent to the standard 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the GX’s sole powertrain for now, though a hybrid is expected at some point.

Lexus GX Highlights

Rugged retro shape: Lexus wasn’t bashful about giving the long overdue replacement for the previous generation Lexus GX a memorable appearance. If you’re a fan of curves, please look away. That’s because it’s all sharp edges and creases everywhere you look on the 2026 GX. We’re particularly fond of the prominent front grille and the LED taillight bar that runs the width of the rear.

Fully up-to-date tech: The interior is just as visually striking as the exterior. A 14-inch touchscreen is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel facing the driver. Lexus managed to craft an opulent yet no-nonsense interior, both in appearance and feel. 

Overtrail models: These are the trims to pick if you plan to take your GX into the wilderness — or if you just want to look super macho. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ feature 33-inch off-road tires, more selectable drive modes for a wider variety of terrain, a locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. Keep in mind the Overtrail models are only 2-row variants; they ditch the 3-row arrangement found in the rest of the GX range.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GX models for sale near you. 

2026 Land Rover Defender 110

The mighty Defender was reintroduced to the Land Rover lineup as the storied brand’s most purpose-built off-roader. It’s available in three variants: The 2-door Defender 90, the 4-door Defender 110, and the 3-row Defender 130. While you can’t get a third row in the Defender 110, it is the variant closest to the Lexus GX in terms of size and price, so we’ll focus on this model in this comparison.

Land Rover Defender 110 Highlights

Three body styles, five engines: For customization, few SUVs come anywhere close to matching the Defender. Spread across the three body styles we just mentioned are five powertrains, ranging from a turbocharged 4-cylinder to two turbo mild-hybrid 6-cylinder engines, and upward to a supercharged V8 that produces a maximum of 518 hp. The ultra-luxury Defender Octa gets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 pumping out 626 hp.

Trophy Edition: A tasteful nod to the Defender’s heritage in off-road motorsports, the Trophy Edition is available in Deep Sandgold Yellow or Keswick Green. It is outfitted with an off-road kit, including a high-utility roof rack, a waterproof side-mounted gear carrier, and a raised, snorkel-style air intake. Even if you never take it off-road, the Defender Trophy Edition certainly makes a statement.

Optional air suspension: The Defender’s available air suspension can find the ideal setting for adventures on and off paved roads. It softens the ride on hours-long highway stints or elevates the suspension to better scramble over rugged terrain that might risk crunching some underbody components. 

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Defender models for sale near you.

Similarities

Luxury SUV shoppers with a spirit for adventure will likely fall head over heels for this duo. They have outstanding off-road capabilities, but don’t fall to pieces doing something as mundane as running daily errands or navigating into a parallel parking spot. 

A less endearing shared trait is their serious thirst for fuel.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Lexus GX vehicles and New 2026 Land Rover Defender 110 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

It’s not easy for us to pick an outright winner between the Lexus GX and Defender. One key reason is that the Defender is offered in so many configurations; some are direct rivals to the GX, while others are more aimed at hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Yet, in its upper trims with its most potent engines, the Defender has the power and prestige to rival the finest (and fanciest) SUVs from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.  

Credit to Lexus for giving the GX such a dramatic turnaround. The previous generation was far past its sell-by date. The cabin was cramped, and the driving dynamics were sloppy. The recently redesigned Lexus GX changes everything while balancing everyday driving comfort with tenacious off-road capability.

With its trademark Lexus reliability and resale value, the GX is arguably the more practical luxury off-roader in this comparison. However, if you value character and heritage over low ownership costs, the Defender makes an impossible-to-ignore statement.