Defender vs GX 550
The Defender and the GX 550 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The GX 550 is ahead in 2 of 4, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GX 550 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Defender wins
- Space & Practicality GX 550 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range6.9
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GX 550 has 53 hp more power
The GX 550 doesn’t just edge this one; 349 hp against 296 hp is a lead you’ll feel. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The GX 550 has room for 7 seats
Big gap, real consequences. The GX 550’s 7 seats versus the Defender’s 5 seats changes how the two compare in daily use. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The GX 550 has 184 lb-ft more torque
The Defender is clearly behind on torque (295 lb-ft against 479 lb-ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Defender has better fuel economy
Close, but not identical: the Defender lists 19 mpg and the GX 550 lists 17 mpg. The Defender uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Defender has better city fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the Defender is in a different league: 18 mpg, next to 15 mpg for the GX 550. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Defender has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 75.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
GX 550 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the GX 550 leads the engine & performance section with room to spare. The GX 550 makes its case with 53 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the GX 550 gets the nod.
Total system output
Defender: 296 hp GX 550: 349 hp The GX 550’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Defender: 295 lb-ft GX 550: 479 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Defender leads
The Defender is the clear pick if fuel economy & range is what you care about most. The Defender brings better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The GX 550 pulls ahead with better highway fuel economy. If this section decides it for you, choose the Defender.
Fuel economy (combined)
Defender: 19 mpg GX 550: 17 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Defender: 18 mpg GX 550: 15 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
GX 550 leads
The GX 550 wins the space & practicality section decisively. On the GX 550, you get room for 7 seats. The GX 550 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the GX 550 is the stronger car.
Seats
Defender: 5 seats GX 550: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Defender and the GX 550 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 |
| Total system output | 296 hp | 349 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (twin-speed transfer case) | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg (winner) | 17 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg (winner) | 15 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 20 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 21.1 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) Most seats in class |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 76.9 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 9,096 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 75.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Defender | GX 550 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $66,785 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Defender if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (19 mpg vs 17 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (18 mpg vs 15 mpg in the city)
- you already use other Land Rover products
Choose the GX 550 if…
- you want more power (349 hp vs 296 hp)
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (479 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you want better highway fuel economy (21 mpg vs 20 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Defender or the GX 550?
The GX 550 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Defender and the GX 550 chase the same buyer. In the details, Land Rover and Lexus made different calls. The GX 550 wins me over with 53 hp more power. Nor should you ignore that the GX 550 has room for 7 seats. Don’t write off the Defender entirely: it has better fuel economy.
I’d steer fuel economy & range fans toward the Defender and engine & performance fans toward the GX 550.
My pick: if it were my money, the GX 550, unless you’d rather have better fuel economy on the Defender.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.