2024 Lexus GX550 vs 2024 Toyota Prado: SPEC BATTLE!

The new Lexus GX550 is on sale in Australia, with the three-model range starting from $116,000 and powered by a 260kW/650Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. The five-model LandCruiser Prado range isn't too far off, either.

The GX550 range starts with the Luxury ($116,000), then Overtrail ($122,250) and finally Sports Luxury ($128,200) variants (all plus on-road costs). All GX550 models use the same twin-turbo petrol V6 powertrain and a 10-speed torque-converter automatic with second-start function, while full-time four-wheel-drive with low-range and a locking centre differential are also standard.

The all-new seven-seat Lexus GX550 (five seats only in the off-road oriented Overtrail) promises a versatile blend of performance and passenger accommodation capabilities with off-road and towing ability thrown in.

This is the first time the GX is offered locally, having been in markets previously such as the US where it's gained sustained popularity.

We also have confirmed prices and most specs for Prado. Five Prado models will be offered: the five-seater GX ($72,500) and Altitude ($92,700), and seven-seater GXL ($79,990), VX ($87,400) and finally the $99,990 Kakadu (all prices plus on-road costs), all powered by HiLux’s mild-hybrid 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel linked in new Prado to an eight-speed automatic transmission (and full-time, dual range 4WD with Torsen centre diff).

As we edge closer to the Prado's imminent release, we run the ruler over both the upmarket Lexus GX550 and its close cousin, the more affordable Toyota Prado, to see what differences exist between the pair.

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Positioned between the new RX and larger 300-based LX in the Lexus SUV range, the new seven-seat Lexus GX promises a versatile blend of performance and passenger comfort with off-road and towing ability thrown in.

It launched in May 2024, and it is the first time the GX is offered locally, having been kept from Australia in its previous form. Ideal for a family of adventurers, the GX is once again based on the iconic Toyota LandCruiser Prado – also entering its next generation.

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Obviously the Lexus GX550 and Toyota Prado will not be direct competitors, rather the GX550 will be a premium offering from Toyota Corporation’s luxury brand, with the Prado is less a luxury offering, and more a mainstream choice for a family wagon or even fleet workhorse.

In this story, we run the ruler over both the upmarket Lexus GX and its close cousin, the more affordable Toyota Prado, to see what differences exist between the pair. 👇

JUMP AHEAD

• Dimensions
• Chassis and towing
• Engines
• Interior and cabin design
• Pricing

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Dimensions

Both the Lexus GX and Toyota Prado will share similar dimensions and, given they are built off an identical platform, they have an identical wheelbase.

Both the Lexus GX and 250 Series Prado have the spare tyre fitted under the floor, finally dispatching the old-school backdoor position still used by the current 150 Series Prado. This likely means a loss of fuel capacity for Prado, down from the current Prado’s 150 litres on tap – especially given that we know that new GX550 in some markets has only 80-litre capacity.

New Prado boasts larger measurements all around: it is longer than the existing model and is also wider, slightly taller and rides on a longer wheelbase (which is shared with the 300 Series).

Lexus has not published dimensions for the GX, except for wheelbase. Given that the two models share a platform, and the Lexus wheelbase measurement is identical to Prado, you can assume that the other dimensions will be similar, if not the same.

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2024 Lexus GX vs Toyota Prado dimensions

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Chassis and Towing

The new GX and Prado will share their underpinnings with the 300 Series, meaning they use the TNGA-F ladder-frame chassis which Toyota claims is 50 per cent more rigid than the existing Prado 150, and overall vehicle rigidity is improved by 30 per cent.

Toyota also says that the new, stiff platform allows for better suspension performance, with the new model offering more wheel travel for off-roading and better on-road handling and ride comfort.

The Prado will also have better wheel travel off-road because of Toyota's stabiliser-bar disconnect system at the front. There will also be the multi-terrain select and multi-terrain monitor systems we’re already familiar with from Toyota.

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Electric-assist power steering will make its way to new Prado, and presumably also the GX.

Toyota notes this technology allows the inclusion of safety systems such as lane trace assist.

The Lexus will have double-wishbone front and four-link rigid axle rear suspension like the Prado, but the GX will have adaptive variable suspension (AVS) – a feature that may stand it apart from new Prado.

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Electric-assist power steering will make its way to new Prado and the GX550. Toyota notes this technology allows the inclusion of safety systems, such as lane trace assist.

The Lexus has double-wishbone front and four-link rigid axle rear suspension like Prado Both GX550 and Prado (depending on trim level) will have adaptive variable suspension (AVS).

The Lexus GX550 is out now, with the Overtrail the first time Lexus has made a departure into a more off-road oriented model. These further enhances the GX's off-road credentials with a range of features that give the new SUV better off-road capability.

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Toyota has announced Prado’s extensive safety features.

All Prado variants will be fitted with a full suite of active safety technology, including front and rear autonomous emergency braking, lane-trace assist, blind-spot alert and adaptive cruise control.

It also has nine airbags – up from seven – along with trailer sway control, active traction control, downhill assist control, and ‘crawl’ off-road cruise control with five selectable speed settings.

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Engines

Under the bonnet of new Prado will be a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder mild-hybrid engine producing 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This is the same 48-volt system going into upcoming Hilux models next year.

Power is sent to the wheels through a new 'Direct Shift 8AT' eight-speed automatic transmission, and launch with the choice of five or seven seats.

Meanwhile we know that the new Lexus GX550 is offered with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Both Prado and GX550 powertrains use a full-time four-wheel drive system with dual-range transfer case providing off-road gearing and also a locking centre differential.

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2024 Lexus GX vs Toyota Prado specifications

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Interior and Cabin Design

A big lift in cabin design sees the Prado offer a large centre console and a dash dominated by large screens.

The Prado, it will share a similar interior design to GX550. Toyota has paid attention to criticisms that manufacturers have included too many touch ‘buttons’ to be safe for drivers to use without causing distraction, so there are still plenty of actual button controls.

The Prado will be offered in a five- or seven-seat configuration, depending on model. Meanwhile we know a lot more about the Lexus.

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All models will have a 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker audio system, five USB-C ports, wireless phone charger, head-up display, 360-degree camera system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The GX550 is offered with seven seats available across three rows, with the second row able to be configured as a trio of bench seats or individual captain's chairs.

Standard on all models from the Luxury up includes leather interior, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar and memory functions, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outer second-row seats, and power-folding third-row seats (for Luxury and Sports Luxury).

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Pricing

Toyota has announced new Prado 250 prices: $72,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level GX to $99,990 for the top-of-the-range Kakadu.

With price rises between $9670 and $12,432 across the line-up, this still leaves enough clean air between the new Prado and the Lexus GX550, which kicks off at $116,000.

The GX starts at $72,500, the GXL $79,990, VX is $87,400, Altitude is $92,700 and Kakadu is $99,900 (all prices plus on-road costs).

New features across the LandCruiser Prado line-up include a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 7- or 12.3-inch instrument cluster display (up from 4.2-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Toyota Connected Services, a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors, USB-C ports, a 220-volt power outlet, and standard climate control.

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The GXL adds an electric tailgate – which is now flat on all models with the spare wheel mounted underneath – standard leather-accented upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a wireless phone charger over the outgoing model.

The VX now features 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 19-inch), a full-digital instrument cluster, adaptive variable suspension, a power-adjustable steering wheel, multi-terrain select, and a Toyota-first multi-terrain monitor to view the vehicle’s underfloor while driving. The "adventure-focused" Altitude is a new permanent variant in the line-up, borrowing its name from limited edition Prado models offered between 2012 and 2017.

It replaces adaptive variable suspension with a stabiliser disconnect mechanism to provide “an extra 10 per cent of wheel articulation to help maximise traction on uneven surfaces” and reverts to 18-inch alloys with all-terrain tyres. 

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Topping the new Prado range is the Kakadu, which now sports a digital rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated rear seats, a panoramic moon roof, illuminated side steps, a head-up display, and a rear torque-sensing limited-slip differential.

As for the Lexus, it has been confirmed that the entry model the GX550 Luxury has a power tailgate with hinged glass, tow bar and wiring, roof rails, auto-levelling LED headlights, rear privacy glass, 20-in alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear spoiler.

Meanwhile, the off-road oriented Overtrail key features includes off-road assistance systems used in LandCruiser GR Sport such as electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS), front swaybar disconnect, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) off-road traction control, Multi-Terrain Monitor, multi-stage Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control and a locking rear diff.

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There’s also aluminium skid plates unique black bumper design and wheel arch surrounds, and 18-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tyres.

A larger alternator, refrigerated centre console storage unit card-shaped smart key while seats are upholstered with olive green stitching and Ultrasuede accents.

Finally, the top-spec GX550, the Sports Luxury, is equipped with adaptive variable suspension, five configurable drive modes 22-inch alloys, adaptive high-beam headlights, auto-extending side steps, a fixed panoramic roof, semi-aniline leather-accented trim, unique dashboard finish, digital rear-view mirror, multi-colour ambient interior illumination, massaging front seats, refrigerated centre storage unit, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a heated steering wheel.

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