2025 Toyota Prado vs Lexus GX comparison: Spec battle

Toyota has finally launched a new-generation LandCruiser Prado in Australia, and it now joins its more premium twin-under-the-skin from Lexus.

The new-generation Lexus GX launched in Australia earlier this year as part of the luxury brand’s push into new vehicle segments.

Although the Prado-based Lexus GX has been around since 2002, it’s only now being offered in Australia in its third generation. Previously it was a North American-focused model only produced in left-hand drive.

Both the GX and the new 250 Series Prado – which is known as the LandCruiser in the US, where the 300 Series isn’t sold – are based on Toyota’s TNGA-F ladder-frame platform, which now underpins everything from the 300 Series and the Lexus LX to the full-size Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV, and the Tacoma (the HiLux’s US sister model).

While it does seem strange to compare these two vehicles at first, given one is typically a top-selling mainstream model and the other is overtly premium, there is more crossover than meets the eye here.

Indeed, many Aussies are cross-shopping both these models, given the GX beat the new Prado to market here and isn’t that much more expensive due to price hikes for the first new Prado in 15 years, and Australia’s top-selling large SUV until it was outsold by the Ford Everest for the first time last year.

So without further ado, let’s break down some of the key similarities and differences between the Toyota LandCruiser Prado 250 Series and the third-generation Lexus GX. And before you jump straight to the comments, because we know you will, please know we’ve driven both of these new SUVs extensively.

While we haven’t yet driven back to back, here we’ve listed the key disparities between them in terms of specs, capabilities and driving experiences, and chosen our ‘CarExpert Pick’ at the bottom of this article.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links.

Pricing

Yes, the Lexus GX is pricier than the Toyota Prado. The entry price of the GX range is more than $16,000 higher than the top-spec Prado’s. But the gulf between the new GX and the much cheaper old Prado was far greater.

Toyota offers five variants of the Prado – GX, GXL, VX, Altitude, and Kakadu. All are powered by a mild-hybrid four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, while some variants offer five seats and others offer seven seats.

Lexus on the other hand only offers three variants of the GX – Luxury, Overtrail and Sports Luxury. All are powered by a twin-turbo petrol V6, and once again seating capacity is either five or seven seats depending on the variant.

Both Toyota and Lexus offers off-road-focussed versions of the Prado and GX, respectively. While they come with similar equipment, the Prado Altitude is almost $30,000 more affordable than the GX Overtrail.

If you’re budget-minded, the Prado is the pick as it’s much more affordable than the GX. But it’s worth flagging the fact there are tonnes of other body-on-frame seven-seat SUVs that are cheaper again, like the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and GWM Tank 500, among others.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Drivetrains and Efficiency

While the Prado and GX are very similar in most respects, what’s under their bonnets is completely different.

The new-generation Prado is powered by a slightly more efficient version of the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that powered its popular predecessor, because it’s now augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system (as seen in selected HiLux variants).

While the powertrain’s slight increase in electrical assistance allows it to use a bit less fuel because it doesn’t have to work as hard, Toyota’s claimed performance outputs are an unchanged 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Something to note with the Prado is that, besides the fact it requires diesel fuel, it’s the first Toyota passenger vehicle in Australia to require AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid. This is mixed with exhaust gases as they enter the catalytic converter to help reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions.

The Lexus GX on the other hand is powered by a detuned version of the 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that’s seen in the LandCruiser 300 Series-based Lexus LX600. It produces much more power and torque than the Prado, but it also consumes much more fuel.

Another thing to note about the GX is that it requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded, which will add up at the bowser, though depending on the price you pay for diesel, the difference could be negligible.

Another massive consideration for an off-road or overlander vehicle is fuel range. Because the GX has higher fuel consumption, as well as a smaller fuel tank, it can’t travel anywhere near as far as the Prado before needing to be refuelled.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Dimensions

Externally, the new Prado and GX are virtually identical in terms of dimensions. There are only minute differences between the two, and that extends to their off-road capability metrics.

Both the Prado and GX can be had with five or seven seats, but one the largest differentiating factors between the two vehicles is cargo space.

While the numbers on paper stack up very similarly, something to note with the Prado is the boot floor is much higher than the GX’s due to the placement of the 48V lithium-ion battery.

In seven-seat Prado variants in particular, the third row of seats is mounted on top of the boot floor, meaning they don’t fold flush with the floor. Toyota counters this by fitting a removable storage box that’s level with the height of the third row when folded away in front of it. It raises the cargo space floor height considerably and also looks a bit silly.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Servicing and Warranty

While the Toyota Prado and Lexus GX have similar standard warranty periods, buyers of the former can receive an extra two years of coverage for the engine and driveline if they service through a Toyota dealer.

It’s a sore point for many, but service intervals for both these vehicles is just six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, which is about double the frequent of almost all their rivals.

While the GX receives an extra four capped-price services than the Prado, it’s also much more expensive to service overall.

The first six services for the Prado are capped at $390, whereas the first 10 services for the GX are capped at $595. Another consideration is that Lexus offers a much more substantial aftersales/owner benefits program.

When you buy a brand-new GX you get three years of complimentary access to the Lexus Encore program, which gets you roadside assistance, a service loan car, Ampol fuel offers, as well as access to exclusive events and offers.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Safety

Neither the Toyota Prado nor Lexus GX have been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP just yet.

Both cars feature the following safety equipment:

• 9 airbags
• Front, rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane Trace Assist (lane centring)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Safe Exit Assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front, rear parking sensors
• Trailer sway control
• Trailer pre-wiring harness
• 360-degree camera

In addition, the entire Lexus GX range has tyre pressure warning. This is only standard in the Prado VX and Kakadu.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Standard Equipment

While Toyota and Lexus vehicles typically have drastically different cabins, the Prado and GX are more similar than you’d expect. Sure, the Prado is offered in trim levels with less equipment than the base GX550 Luxury, but the flagship Prado Kakadu almost aligns itself with the entry-level GX in terms of standard equipment.

The following equipment is common across both models:

• Lockable Torsen centre differential
• Low-range transfer case
• LED headlights
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless, wired
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Connected services

One of the few differing factors is the GX has a larger 14-inch touchscreen (Prado has a 12.3-inch touchscreen) with fewer physical buttons and knobs.

The Prado is also more off-road-centric as standard. It features downhill assist control, as well as crawl control with five speed settings across the range, whereas in the GX this is only offered in the Overtrail grade.

Compared to the off-road-focussed Prado Altitude, the GX550 Overtrail doesn’t have a front stabiliser bar disconnect function, but it does come with electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (eKDSS). Both of these technologies deliver more suspension articulation, but in different ways.

Lastly, the Lexus GX is available with more luxury and convenience features than the Prado, which is natural given it’s a premium model with a higher price tag.

The GX550 Sports Luxury comes with additional equipment like larger 22-inch alloy wheels, retracting side steps, semi-aniline leather-accented upholstery, a front seat massage function, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, among others.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

CarExpert’s Pick: Toyota Prado

Ultimately, whether you opt for the Toyota Prado or Lexus GX comes down to what you prioritise in your new SUV. For many prospective buyers the Prado will tick all the boxes, but for others the GX will scratch that intangible itch for something more premium and indulgent.

If you’re on a tighter budget, as many people are these days, the Prado is of course the better pick. And it’s worth mentioning again here that there are plenty of other more affordable body-on-frame SUVs available with seven seats.

Sure, the GX’s twin-turbo petrol V6 is deliciously sweet and thrilling every time you stamp on the throttle, but its eye-watering fuel consumption and short driving range limit its potential as a long-distance tourer.

You have to really despise diesel to not want the Prado, given a lot of its standard equipment mirrors what’s available in the GX. It’s just a bonus that the Prado is more efficient and can travel considerably further per tank.

The Prado isn’t perfect, however. Lower pricing aside, the packaging of the 48V lithium-ion battery for the mild-hybrid system really limits the practicality of the boot, especially in seven-seat variants.

With this in mind, I’d personally opt for the off-road-savvy Altitude, which only comes with five seats but has all the off-road bells and whistles you could ever hope for.

It comes with all-terrain rubber as standard, but tyre roar on sealed surfaces isn’t nearly as bad as you’d expect. I’ll take one in Ningaloo Blue with a contrasting white roof, please.

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX

Videos

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado Altitude

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the Lexus GX550 Overtrail

Interested in buying a Toyota Prado or a Lexus GX? Get in touch with a dealer by clicking the links

MORE: Everything Toyota Prado • Lexus GX