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Is the Lexus LX the same as a Land Cruiser?

The Lexus LX and the Toyota Land Cruiser are closely related, but they are not exactly the same vehicle. The Lexus LX is a luxury version of the Land Cruiser, sharing the same underlying platform and many of the same mechanical components, but with additional features and a more premium interior.


The Relationship Between the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser


The Lexus LX is essentially a rebadged and more luxurious version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Both vehicles are built on the same body-on-frame platform and share many of the same mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive system. The key differences lie in the exterior styling, interior appointments, and overall level of luxury and refinement.



  • The Lexus LX features a more premium and upscale interior, with higher-quality materials, more advanced technology, and additional comfort and convenience features.

  • Exterior styling is also more distinctive on the Lexus LX, with a unique front grille, headlight design, and other styling cues that differentiate it from the more utilitarian-looking Land Cruiser.

  • The Lexus LX is typically more expensive than the Land Cruiser, reflecting its more luxurious positioning within the market.


Despite these differences, the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser share a common heritage and are both renowned for their off-road capabilities, durability, and reliability.


Key Similarities and Differences


Similarities:



  • Shared platform and mechanical components

  • Renowned for off-road capability and durability

  • Available in both two-row and three-row seating configurations


Differences:



  • Lexus LX has a more premium and luxurious interior

  • Lexus LX features more distinctive exterior styling

  • Lexus LX is typically more expensive than the Toyota Land Cruiser


In summary, while the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser are closely related, the Lexus LX is a more upscale and luxurious version of the Land Cruiser, with a higher price tag to match its additional features and refinements.

Is the Lexus 570 the same as the Land Cruiser?


While the LX 570 and Land Cruiser have similar profiles, the newly redesigned LX 570 has a more aerodynamic front-end with its sharp, hourglass-shaped grill.



Is the Lexus LX470 the same as the Toyota Land Cruiser?


Yes, the Lexus LX 470 is essentially a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series. They share the same platform, powertrain, and many core components, but the LX 470 is distinguished by its upscale styling, more features, and standard hydraulic Automatic Height Control (AHC) suspension, while the Land Cruiser often has more basic suspension options.
 
This video explains the differences between a Land Cruiser and an LX470: 58s4x4 RidesYouTube · Apr 7, 2022
Similarities

  • Platform and Powertrain: Both the LX 470 and the Land Cruiser 100 series are built on the same platform and share the same 4.7L V8 engine and transmission.
  • Mechanical Components: They use many of the same Toyota parts for the engine, brakes, and other core components, and are often manufactured in the same factory.
  • Off-road Capability: Both are designed for off-road use, with full-time four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. 

Key Differences
  • Branding and Styling: The LX 470 is a Lexus brand vehicle with a more luxurious and refined exterior and interior compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser. 
  • Suspension: The most significant difference is the suspension. The LX 470 comes standard with a hydraulic Automatic Height Control (AHC) system that allows for adjustable ride height, while the Land Cruiser typically has a standard suspension, with adjustable height control as an optional feature. 
  • Features: The LX 470 is built to be a luxury vehicle and comes standard with more premium features like higher-quality leather, a navigation system, and a Mark Levinson audio system as options. 

This video discusses the similarities between the Lexus LX470 and the Land Cruiser: 55sCruising The LandYouTube · Feb 20, 2020



Are Lexus and Land Cruiser the same?


The Lexus GX is the luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, built on the same platform but with premium materials and different powertrains. For a more direct comparison with the Land Cruiser's larger sibling, the Lexus LX is considered the luxury equivalent of the larger Land Cruiser 300 series. 
You can watch this video to see the exterior and interior of the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX: 1mPerformance LexusYouTube · Jun 14, 2025

Feature Lexus GX Toyota Land Cruiser
Positioning A luxury mid-size SUV with off-road capability A rugged, more utilitarian SUV
Platform Toyota's TNGA-F platform, shared with the Land Cruiser Toyota's TNGA-F platform, shared with the GX
Powertrain Twin-turbocharged 3.43.43.4-liter V6 engine with 349349349 horsepower and 479479479 lb-ft of torque Turbocharged 2.42.42.4-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor, producing 326326326 horsepower and 465465465 lb-ft of torque
Interior More luxurious materials, premium features, and comfort options More utilitarian materials and layout, but with impressive off-road controls
Off-road Features Offers advanced systems like an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension and auto-disconnecting stabilizer bars Includes manual and physical off-road controls like a manual stabilizer bar disconnect and locking differentials
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This video shows a comparison of the off-road capabilities between the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX: 57sEdmunds CarsYouTube · May 17, 2024
You can watch this video to learn more about the differences between the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX: 1mEverydayDriverYouTube · Jan 9, 2025
This video compares the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX, highlighting which one drives better: 1mAutomotivePressYouTube · Jun 14, 2025
This video shows an engineer's perspective on the differences between the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX: 1mAutomotivePressYouTube · Aug 25, 2024



Is the Lexus LX a Land Cruiser?


Yes, the Lexus LX is a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the two are closely related, sharing a fundamental design and platform. The LX is a premium take on the rugged Land Cruiser, featuring more luxury amenities, a different interior and exterior styling, and often a higher starting price, while the Land Cruiser maintains its traditional identity. For instance, a new Lexus LX 700h is a version of the Land Cruiser 300, a model not sold in North America.
 
This video explains the relationship between the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser: 57sBern on CarsYouTube · Nov 1, 2025
Key similarities

  • Platform and body-on-frame construction: Both vehicles share a similar platform and are built on a robust body-on-frame chassis. 
  • Off-road capability: They are both exceptionally capable off-road SUVs, though the LX often includes more advanced off-road technology as standard or available options. 
  • Shared DNA: The two have a long history of being very similar vehicles under the skin, with the LX having been a rebadged Land Cruiser since its inception. 

This video demonstrates the off-road capabilities of the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser: 59sDriving Sports TVYouTube · May 29, 2025
Key differences
  • Price and features: The Lexus LX is the luxury-oriented version, with features like more premium materials, advanced infotainment, and creature comforts such as heated and cooled seats and massage functions. The Land Cruiser offers a more utilitarian and rugged experience. 
  • Styling: The exterior and interior designs are distinctly different. The LX has a more refined and upscale look, while the Land Cruiser has a more traditional and utilitarian appearance. 
  • Powertrain: The specific engines available can differ between the two models. For example, the newer Land Cruiser 250 uses a smaller engine than the LX 700h. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.