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2024 Lexus GX550 vs 2024 Toyota Prado

Published March 2025
2024 Lexus GX550 vs 2024 Toyota Prado
2024 Lexus GX550 vs 2024 Toyota Prado
2024 Lexus GX550 vs 2024 Toyota Prado Close

A Comprehensive Cars Comparison by Cars4us

As SUVs continue to dominate the market, the 2024 Lexus GX550 and the 2024 Toyota Prado stand out as two of the most capable and versatile offerings for buyers who value luxury, off-road prowess, and dependability. Sharing a common lineage under Toyota's umbrella, these two vehicles offer similar DNA, yet they cater to different segments of the market. The Lexus GX550 offers a more premium experience with added luxury and tech features, while the Toyota Prado remains a solid choice for adventurers seeking rugged capability without the high-end frills. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the two models across various categories to help you determine which SUV best suits your needs.

Powertrain & Performance

2024 Lexus GX550

9.5/10

  • Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbocharged V6
  • Power: 260 kW @ 6000 rpm
  • Torque: 649 Nm @ 3600 rpm
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD with Torsen limited-slip centre differential
  • The Lexus GX550 delivers impressive power with its twin-turbo V6 engine, providing smooth and immediate acceleration on and off the road. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless gear shifts, while the full-time 4WD system offers outstanding traction across varying terrains. This combination is perfect for those who want both off-road capability and refined on-road performance.

2024 Toyota Prado

8.5/10

  • Engine: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
  • Power: 150 kW @ 3400 rpm
  • Torque: 500 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case
  • The Toyota Prado offers a reliable and efficient turbo-diesel engine with plenty of low-end torque, making it well-suited for towing and off-road adventures. While it may not have the power of the Lexus GX550, the Prado’s diesel engine shines in fuel efficiency and low-end grunt, making it a solid option for those who prioritise rugged reliability and long-distance efficiency.

Off-Road Capability

2024 Lexus GX550

9/10

  • Ground Clearance: 260 mm
  • Approach/Departure Angles: 25°/24°
  • Off-Road Systems: Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Hill Start Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
  • Towing Capacity: 3500 kg (braked)
  • The Lexus GX550 is designed to handle tough terrains while keeping its occupants in comfort. The Multi-Terrain Select system allows the driver to choose between various off-road modes for optimal traction, while Crawl Control ensures smooth navigation over challenging surfaces. The adaptive suspension adjusts based on road conditions, providing both on-road comfort and off-road agility.

2024 Toyota Prado

9.5/10

  • Ground Clearance: 220 mm
  • Approach/Departure Angles: 30°/25°
  • Off-Road Systems: Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a locking rear differential
  • Towing Capacity: 3000 kg (braked)
  • The Toyota Prado is a true off-roader, with superior approach angles that give it an edge when tackling steep inclines or rocky paths. The KDSS system improves wheel articulation, giving it an edge in off-road conditions, and the locking rear differential ensures traction in slippery environments. With its combination of off-road hardware and technology, the Prado remains a trusted choice for serious adventurers.

Fuel Economy

2024 Lexus GX550

8/10

  • Fuel Consumption: 12.5 L/100 km (combined cycle)
  • Real-World Economy: Expect the figure to rise slightly when towing or during extended off-road driving, as the twin-turbo V6 can consume more fuel under heavy load.

2024 Toyota Prado

9.5/10

  • Fuel Consumption: 7.9 L/100 km (combined cycle)
  • Real-World Economy: The Prado’s turbo-diesel engine offers excellent fuel economy, especially during long-distance highway driving or in off-road scenarios where fuel efficiency is paramount.

Interior & Comfort

2024 Lexus GX550

9.5/10

  • Interior Materials: Premium leather upholstery, woodgrain accents, and soft-touch surfaces throughout.
  • Technology: 14.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
  • Seating: Available in five or seven-seat configurations, with heated and ventilated seats in both rows.
  • Cargo Space: 490 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1800 litres with seats folded.
  • The Lexus GX550 exudes luxury with its refined materials and high-end technology suite. The large infotainment system and premium sound system offer a truly upscale experience, and passengers enjoy a spacious, well-crafted cabin designed for comfort, whether on city streets or mountain trails.

2024 Toyota Prado

8.5/10

  • Interior Materials: Durable fabric or synthetic leather upholstery with a focus on functionality over luxury.
  • Technology: 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a six-speaker audio system.
  • Seating: Five or seven-seat configurations, with basic power-adjustable front seats and manually adjustable rear seats.
  • Cargo Space: 640 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1800 litres with seats folded.
  • The Toyota Prado offers a more functional and durable interior, prioritising practicality over luxury. While it still offers modern tech features, it lacks the premium materials and advanced infotainment found in the Lexus GX550.

Safety Features

2024 Lexus GX550

9.5/10

  • Standard Features: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Blind Spot Monitoring.
  • Additional Features: 360-degree camera system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a head-up display.

2024 Toyota Prado

8.5/10

  • Standard Features: Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
  • Additional Features: Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Pricing & Value

2024 Lexus GX550

8.5/10

  • Starting Price: AUD $125,000 (approx.)
  • Warranty: 4 years/100,000 km with additional Lexus Encore privileges.

2024 Toyota Prado

9.5/10

  • Starting Price: AUD $75,000 (approx.)
  • Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km, with additional capped-price servicing.

Our Verdict

9/10
Toyota Landcruiser Prado 9/10

Both the 2024 Lexus GX550 and the 2024 Toyota Prado excel in their respective categories, but they cater to different audiences. The Lexus GX550 is the perfect choice for buyers seeking a premium SUV that offers both luxury and off-road capability, blending power and refinement in one package. The Toyota Prado, on the other hand, is built for serious off-roaders and families who need a dependable, fuel-efficient, and rugged SUV that doesn’t compromise on practicality.

If you prioritise luxury, technology, and on-road comfort while still wanting off-road prowess, the Lexus GX550 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a tough, reliable, and more budget-friendly off-roader, the Toyota Prado is hard to beat.

Your choice will ultimately come down to how much you value luxury and power versus efficiency and practicality. Both SUVs deliver in their respective areas, but the Lexus GX550 offers more refinement, while the Toyota Prado remains the rugged, adventurous choice.

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