The Toyota Land Cruiser stands peerless as an off-road SUV icon, blending go-anywhere capability with premium comfort better than any vehicle in its class. As Lexus strives to translate the quintessential "Land Cruiser" experience for luxury audiences, the all-new LX600 stakes its claim as a road-going flagship while the GX550 retains the most hardcore hardware. I compare both head-to-head across critical categories to determine which model earns the rightful mantle of ride-or-die overlanding rig.
Battle-Tested Hardware That Conquers All Terrain
As a passionate off-road enthusiast and 4WD expert who cut my teeth in extreme rock crawling, evaluating serious hardware requires scrutinizing specs and features central to articulation, approach angles, traction and control in precarious environments. Here the GX550 leverages body-on-frame construction with integrated Off-Road Package to outshine the comfort-oriented LX600 as the more capable option pure in purpose.
| Spec | GX550 | LX600 |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in | 8.2 in |
| Approach/Departure | 33/25 deg | 24/23 deg |
| Front Locking Diff | Available | Not Available |
| Rear Locking Diff | Standard | Available |
| KDSS Disconnecting Anti-Sway Bars | Standard | Not Available |
| Crawl Control | Standard | Available |
A 32-degree approach angle enables the GX to crest steep inclines without scraping its chin, while 26 degrees of departure clearance prevents the tail end from dragging. That generous ramp allows drivers to attack aggressive lines and obstacles at adventurous angles for added excitement! Beefy off-road tires provide extra sidewall for cushioning sudden impacts from rubble or ruts while beadlock-capable wheels ensure you can air down without de-seating the tire at extremely low pressures for superior floatation across sands, mud or snow.
The ace lies in Lexus‘ sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) offering ‘the best of both worlds‘ by disconnecting the anti-sway bars with the flip of a dash switch for enhanced wheel travel. That dramatically improves articulation so all four wheels maintain better contact across uneven terrain littered with wheel-swallowing divots and protruding rocks. Combined with an electronically-controlled limited slip center differential to vector torque front-to-rear, plus Driver Selectable Gear Position enabling mechanical differential locks, the GX delivers incredible prowess once pavement turns to dirt.
Overland Upgrades Unlock Adventure Potential
While impressively fearless direct from the showroom floor, accessory upgrades unlock the GX550‘s ultimate potential for intrepid overland excursions. Lexus collaborated with leading off-road outfitters like Icon and ARB to offer turn-key kits including lifted suspension with customized Multi-Terrain Select modes, skid plates, rock rails, bumpers with integrated winches and driving lights perfect for illuminating desolate desert nights under a starry sky. Owners also commonly upgrade to Maximum Traction all-terrain tires, quick-disconnect sway bar links enabling disconnect on-the-fly and roof top tents to fully realize its capabilities.
I run King 2.5 coilover shocks supporting 12 inches of brawny travel matched with Total Chaos upper control arms. Combined with Icon Stage 7 adjustable long travel suspension, that gifts an imposing 3-inch lift letting me clear 33-inch BFG KM3 Mud Terrains without fear of bound-ups off-camber. Front and rear ARB bumpers replace delicate factory pieces while incorporating a 12,000 lb Warn winch, LED light bars and tow points for rapid recovery. Such enhancements transform the GX into an overland monster truck ready to drive circles around a bone-stock LX!
Cavernous Cargo Room Tailor-Made For Adventure
While ride height and drivetrains dominate off-road discourse, cargo capacity factors prominently for self-supported overland enthusiasts and families far from supply lines. We require generous dimensions to load critical camping provisions including food, water, tools and recovery gear which enables extended multi-day journeys into roadless wilderness. Here the LX600 falls woefully short as a well-equipped luxury barge rather than long-haul adventure truck.
The GX550 provides nearly 10 cubic feet of additional cargo volume behind the rear seats, better lending itself tostacks of plastic storage bins, cases of water and bulky camping accessories. Once expanded with the 60/40 split-folding bench reclined, you can essentially park a dirtbike and full camping load inside! For even more utility, deleting the 3rd row unlocks a cavernous flat load floor. By contrast, the LX600 ships standard with an intrusive third row compromising usability for storage. Though removable, doing so merely yields space comparable to the GX while sacrificing passenger capacity. Clearly for ambitious expeditions, the GX550 offers superior luggage flexibility.
Tazuna Represents The Vehicle-Driver Connection
Engineers leverage Lexus’ unique Tazuna philosophy when calibrating vehicle dynamics and control interfaces to facilitate a deeper connection between human and machine. Named after reins used guiding horses in equestrian show jumping, it draws metaphoric parallels to consistent controllable communication allowing drivers to exploit a vehicle’s full performance potential.
Nowhere does Tazuna manifest more meaningfully than navigating inhospitable off-road terrain where precise throttle, steering and braking inputs prove vital. In the GX550, systems like Crawl Control automate critical drivetrain and chassis functions so drivers can focus solely on choosing opportune lines navigating obstacles. The confidence inspired encourages constantly testing limits and embracing an adventurous spirit – amplified further by the tactile, mechanical response of its old-school ladder frame and body-on-frame construction.
By contrast, the LX600 insulates drivers via independent suspension, adaptive variable suspension and multilink rear axle optimized for stability, not articulation. While perhaps faster on pavement, such isolation dulls the connection with terrain that proves so critical reading surfaces off-road. Its brake-by-wire electronic architecture and electro-hydraulic steering rack also feel artificially synthetic compared to the GX’s pure unfiltered feedback. Only by engaging in extreme scenarios can one truly appreciate the mastery manifest in Lexus’ Tazuna approach.
Turbo Power For Efficiency, Hybrid For Capability
Powertrain technology continues advancing as Lexus migrates towards forced induction and electrification across its lineup. The bait lies in furnishing V8 musclecar acceleration from more frugal alternatives. But smart implementation also broadens capability by intelligently routing instant electric torque to augment traction.
Both GX and LX models adopt 3.5L twin-turbo gasoline V6 engines coupled with 10-speed automatics, furnishing 409 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the LX while the GX550 nets 389 horses and 442 lb-ft. Make no mistake – acceleration still pins your skull with neck-straining fury while emanating an addicting induction roar! Turbocharging preserves that straight line speed offering comparable thrust to the old school 4.6L V8s they replace.
Their fully-independent suspension, multi-link rigid rear axle design and Adaptive Variable Suspension prove better suited to pavement while lacking serious articulation capability off-road. Contrast that to the GX550’s old-school body-on-frame architecture with double wishbone independent front then a 4-link rigid rear axle offering greater down travel thanks to the KDSS sway bar disconnect. Combined with the dual differential lock feature, it simply transports drivers farther into wilderness beyond where the LX dares tread.
While lacking a hybrid variant for now, engineers likely recognize augmenting 4WD hardware with electric motors could further boost the GX550’s already formidable talent navigating technical obstacles. Intelligently-tuned systems to vector instant torque for traction at individual wheels would make the current AWD and locking differentials seem primitive by comparison – technology I’d love testing at its limits! However, Lexus positions their Hybrid models primarily as eco-commuters rather than off-road performers…for now at least.
Executives Jet To Jungle Safari
Contrasting designs backs up analytics on their targeted customer lifestyles and usage profiles. The LX600 seems optimized for motoring in prestigious comfort, evidenced by available options like limousine Executive configuration with massage-enabled reclining seats, refrigerated center console cool box and dual rear 23-inch entertainment screens – hinting its natural habitat leans more towards airport runways rather than safari trails.
Meanwhile over 80% of GX550 owners customize their vehicle suggesting regular outdoor use while aftermarket suspension companies report the model as a top-seller. That data corroborates my own anecdotal observations at trailheads accessing renowned rock crawling parks like Moab‘s Hell‘s Revenge and durability testing grounds such as King of Hammers. Komodo roof top tent sightings support the theory that GX adventurers emphasize multi-day excursions camping far removed from amenities and cell towers – exploiting Lexus’ reputable reliability when remote service proves impossible.
I once rescued a hapless stock LX570 lodged sideways straddling a boulder at an intimidating uphill obstacle in Johnson Valley, CA. The slick-suited businessman driving it made the foolish mistake of attempting to follow a custom GX550 up a reputation-making obstacle far too advanced for his clumsy luxo-barge Pickup Truck. Clearly his aspirations aimed more towards arriving refreshed after a lengthy flight direct to exotic savanna lodges rather than conquering such daunting passages himself.
Driver-Focused Interior Capability
While LX owners certainly appreciate fine leather massage chairs paired with Bespoke 23 speaker stereos, dedicating all attention navigating precarious off-road terrain demands simpler interfaces. Here the GX550 focuses drivers with essential data points including vehicle tilt angle, wheel orientation and height thanks to standard Multi-Terrain Monitor graphic incorporating topographic vehicle rendering with 360 camera views. That’s augmented by Panoramic and see-through view functions allowing drivers to effectively ‘see through’ vehicle bodywork down to individual tire placement over boulders.
For creeping along barely faster than walking pace exploring remote landscapes, Crawl Control with Turn Assist essentially automates low speed precision inputs. That frees up mental bandwidth normally dedicated towards simultaneous throttle, brake and steering coordination when gingerly inching down obstacle-laden paths. Such driver assistance proves invaluable capturing scenic vistas guaranteed far removed from the predictable asphalt highways and urban sprawl frequented by most LX owners.
The Lexus LX600 undoubtedly achieves astronomical levels of luxury tailor-made for chauffeured VIPs intent on avoiding so much as a speck of dust sullying its soft leather and array of high-definition screens streaming the latest films. But for thrill-seeking drivers with adventure etched into their souls, the GX550 satiates that yearning to traverse into true wilderness made possible by hardware honoring the most sacred Land Cruiser traditions. Its purpose-built format earned through decades conquering inhospitable environments across the globe demonstrates an adherence to overland principles uncompromised by plush accommodation. sometimes getting dirty means living your best life!