2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs. 2024 Lexus GX 550: Which SUV Tows Better?

When it comes to serious towing capability paired with off-road prowess, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2024 Lexus GX 550 represent two of the most capable SUVs on the market today. While these vehicles share the same Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-F) platform and many underlying components, their towing performance differs significantly in key areas that matter to hauling enthusiasts.

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Powertrain Comparison: Hybrid Efficiency vs. Turbocharged Muscle

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Powertrain

The Land Cruiser adopts an innovative hybrid approach with its:

• Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor
• Combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
• Peak torque available at just 1,700 rpm
• 1.87-kWh battery pack located under the rear cargo area
• 8-speed automatic transmission

2024 Lexus GX 550 Powertrain

The GX 550 takes a more traditional but powerful approach:

• Twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine
• 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque
• Peak torque from 2,000 rpm to 3,600 rpm
• 10-speed automatic transmission with wider gear spread
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Suspension Systems: Comfort vs. Performance

Land Cruiser Suspension

The Land Cruiser features a robust but conventional setup:

• Front: Independent dual control arms with coil-over shocks
• Rear: Five-link solid axle with coil springs
• Monotube shocks for consistent damping
• Front disconnecting anti-sway bar (First Edition models)
• No rear anti-sway bar for improved off-road articulation

GX 550 Suspension Advantages

The Lexus adds sophisticated technology for superior towing stability:

• Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS)
• Hydraulically adjustable front and rear anti-sway bars
• Electronically controlled shock valving
• Higher spring rates for increased payload capacity
• Automatically adjusts stiffness based on driving conditions

Towing and Payload Capacity Comparison

Specification	2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition	2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+
Maximum Towing Capacity	6,000 lbs	9,063 lbs
Maximum Payload Capacity	957 lbs	1,545 lbs
Tongue Weight Capacity	600 lbs	906 lbs

Real-World Towing Performance

Power Delivery and Acceleration

Both vehicles demonstrated impressive low-end torque characteristics:

• The GX 550 showed slightly better acceleration from stops due to its lower first gear ratio
• Both maintained highway speeds effortlessly with minimal throttle input
• The GX's twin-turbo V6 provided more sustained power on long grades
• The Land Cruiser's hybrid system offered seamless power delivery but less reserve power at higher speeds
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Towing Stability and Control

Stability proved to be the most significant differentiator:

• The GX 550's E-KDSS system provided exceptional stability in crosswinds
• Land Cruiser showed more body roll with heavy trailers
• Both vehicles maintained composure during emergency braking maneuvers
• The GX's integrated trailer brake controller offered more precise modulation

Fuel Efficiency While Towing

The hybrid Land Cruiser showed its advantage in this category:

• Land Cruiser averaged 11.4 mpg with a 4,700-lb trailer
• GX 550 averaged 9.4 mpg with the same load
• Hybrid system provided regenerative braking benefits on downhill sections

Off-Road Towing Capability

When venturing beyond paved roads with a trailer:

• Land Cruiser's disconnecting sway bar provides better articulation
• GX's adjustable suspension automatically firms up when towing
• Both offer excellent approach/departure angles for their class
• GX's additional torque proves beneficial in soft terrain
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Which SUV Should You Choose for Towing?

Final Verdict

While both the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2024 Lexus GX 550 offer impressive towing capabilities for midsize SUVs, the GX 550 emerges as the clear winner for serious hauling needs. Its higher tow rating, superior payload capacity, and advanced stability systems make it the better choice for those who regularly tow heavy trailers. However, the Land Cruiser's hybrid efficiency and slightly better off-road articulation may appeal to those with lighter towing needs who prioritize fuel economy and traditional off-road capability.

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