GX 550 vs Land Cruiser
Both the GX 550 and the Land Cruiser sit in the midsize off-road suv class, and Lexus and Toyota are clearly watching each other. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 3 of 3 areas go to the GX 550, and the gap is widest in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance GX 550 wins
- Space & Practicality GX 550 wins
- Off-road & Towing GX 550 wins
- Engine & Performance6.6
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance5.6
- Off-road & Towing6.3
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
-
The GX 550 has room for 7 seats
The GX 550’s 7 seats leaves the Land Cruiser’s 5 seats well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The GX 550 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
-
The GX 550 has 3,096 lb more towing capacity
Not a close call. The GX 550 lists 9,096 lb and the Land Cruiser lists 6,000 lb. That’s a substantial gap. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The GX 550 has 23 hp more power
A modest but measurable lead goes to the GX 550: 349 hp compared with 326 hp. The GX 550’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
GX 550 leads
This area is close, with the GX 550 just ahead of the Land Cruiser. The GX 550 stands out with 23 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Bottom line for engine & performance: the GX 550 has the edge.
Total system output
GX 550: 349 hp Land Cruiser: 326 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
GX 550 leads
In the space & practicality category, the GX 550 isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The GX 550 steps ahead thanks to room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Prioritize space & practicality, and the GX 550 is where you should land.
Seats
GX 550: 7 seats Land Cruiser: 5 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
GX 550 leads
The GX 550 clearly takes the off-road & towing round. In its favor, the GX 550 has 3,096 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. That makes the GX 550 the natural choice for buyers focused on off-road & towing.
Max towing
GX 550: 9,096 lb Land Cruiser: 6,000 lb If you tow regularly, the GX 550’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the GX 550’s and the Land Cruiser’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 | 2.4L turbo I4 hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) |
| Total system output | 349 hp (winner) | 326 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft Most torque in class | 465 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | Full-time 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 17 mpg Thirstiest in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 15 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21.1 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) Most seats in class | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.3 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 76.9 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 9,096 lb (winner) Best towing in class | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 14 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 75.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | GX 550 | Land Cruiser |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $66,785 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 GX 550 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (9,096 lb vs 6,000 lb)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (349 hp vs 326 hp)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the GX 550 or the Land Cruiser?
On the specs compared here, the GX 550 makes more sense for most buyers; the Land Cruiser doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The GX 550 against the Land Cruiser: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Practically speaking, the GX 550’s biggest advantage is room for 7 seats. Nor should you ignore that the GX 550 has 3,096 lb more towing capacity.
The GX 550 is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Land Cruiser for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the GX 550.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.