Two of the most popular SUVs in the Nigerian market right now – the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2023 Lexus LX600

Meet two popular SUVs in Nigeria: the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Lexus LX600. These big cars are known for their strength and abilities on and off the road. But which one is better? Let’s compare them and find out which one best suits your needs.

Overview of the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2023 Land Cruiser is a big, tough SUV that’s great for both city roads and off-roading adventures. With its impressive off-road capabilities, confident towing capacity, spacious interior for the whole family, and enjoyable on-road handling, it’s a top choice for adventure seekers and family hauliers alike. Catering to a diverse group of buyers, the 2023 Land Cruiser has a wide range of models to suit various preferences and needs. From the practicality of the basic GX model with its vinyl flooring and cloth seats to the enhanced off-road prowess of the stylish GR Sport, there’s a Land Cruiser model for every taste and requirement. Whether you prioritize large family hauling ability, towing capacity, or four-wheel drive capability, the 2023 Land Cruiser has you covered.

Engine and performance

The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser has a robust 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 engine, providing ample power and torque for various driving situations. Paired with a 10-speed Automated Manual transmission, the vehicle offers smooth and efficient performance on both roads and off-road terrains. Its acceleration is strong, and it boasts a high towing capacity, making it suitable for diverse adventures.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the LandCruiser achieves approximately 8.9 kilometres per litre of diesel while emitting relatively low levels of CO2. With a generous 110-litre fuel tank, the vehicle ensures an extended travel range, perfect for long journeys. Featuring a ground clearance of 235mm and a final gear ratio of 3.307, it excels in traversing challenging landscapes, complemented by its impressive 3500kg braked towing capacity.

Interior

The 2023 Land Cruiser maintains its reputation for quality, luxury, and sophistication, with a supremely luxurious cabin. The dashboard showcases modern design and top-notch materials, ensuring exceptional build quality. The infotainment system offers a wide array of tech features, with button clusters blending digital and analogue elements for an elegant appearance. Adjustments were made to the interior to prioritize off-road capability, resulting in slightly tighter third-row seats and a less spacious cargo area. However, the first two rows offer ample space, support, and an excellent driving position. The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, quad-zone climate control, wireless charging, and a head-up display.

Safety features

Safety remains the utmost concern across Toyota’s vehicle lineup, and the Land Cruiser 300 Platinum exemplifies this commitment. Boasting an impressive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BA), vehicle stability control (VSC), hill assist control (HAC), and crawl control (CC), this SUV offers unparalleled peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. 

Price of 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser

In Nigeria, the average price of the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser is N160 million. However, the price varies depending on the chosen trim level.

Overview of the 2023 Lexus LX600

The 2023 Lexus LX 600 is a spacious luxury SUV in five trim levels. Starting with the base LX, which seats five, the lineup progresses to the Premium, F Sport Handling, and Luxury trims, accommodating seven passengers with three rows. The top-tier Ultra Luxury model omits the third-row and second-row middle seats. Built on the new Toyota Land Cruiser platform, the LX600 features a robust 409-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

While rivals like the BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade prioritize spacious third rows, the LX600 offers rugged off-road capability without compromising luxury. Its smooth ride, adjustable air suspension, and Land Cruiser heritage make it ideal for adventurous drivers seeking comfort and exploration.

Engine and performance

The LX600 has a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine, generating 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Despite Lexus’s inclination towards hybrid powertrains, the LX currently solely offers a non-hybrid option. The V-6 engine offers ample power and refined performance, befitting a luxury vehicle, clocking a 6.1-second 0-60 mph time. The LX600 impresses with a towing capacity of 6000 pounds. EPA ratings stand at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

Interior

The  2023 Lexus LX600 has a welcoming interior featuring a spacious centre console and luxurious touches like quilted leather seats, a leather dashboard, wood accents, and sleek chrome details. Depending on the trim level, it can comfortably accommodate five or seven passengers, with the top-tier Ultra Luxury model offering a four-seat layout with premium amenities like rear-seat entertainment screens and wireless charging. The dashboard has three standard screens for displaying various information: a gauge cluster screen, an infotainment screen, and a screen for climate and vehicle controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging capabilities are standard features. Audiophiles can upgrade to a 25-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system, available on the LX Luxury or LX Ultra Luxury trim levels, providing an enhanced music listening experience.

Safety features and driver-assisted features

The Lexus comes standard with advanced driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, enhancing safety on the road. Key safety highlights include automated emergency braking with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control for maintaining a safe following distance.

Price of 2023 Lexus LX600

The 2023 Lexus LX 600’s cost in Nigeria will range between ₦210 million and ₦250 million, depending on the chosen trim level.

Comparing the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Lexus LX600

When compared, the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Lexus LX600 offer impressive features that cater to different preferences and needs.

In terms of performance, the Land Cruiser’s robust 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 engine and excellent off-road capabilities make it a solid choice for adventurous drivers. On the other hand, the Lexus LX600 boasts a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V-6 engine, delivering refined performance and a smooth ride suitable for luxury seekers.

Interior-wise, both vehicles provide luxurious cabins with premium materials and advanced tech features. However, the Land Cruiser prioritizes off-road capability, resulting in slightly tighter third-row seats and cargo space than the LX600, which offers more spacious accommodations and upscale amenities like quilted leather seats and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Both vehicles excel in terms of safety. The Land Cruiser features a suite of safety technologies like an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), and Crawl Control (CC). At the same time, the Lexus LX600 comes standard with advanced driver-assistance features like automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Price-wise, the Land Cruiser is more budget-friendly, with an average price of N160 million, while the LX600 ranges between ₦210 million and ₦250 million, depending on the chosen trim level.

Ultimately, the choice between the 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Lexus LX600 comes down to individual preferences, whether prioritizing rugged off-road capability and value for money or luxury and upscale amenities.

Conclusion 

The 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser and the 2023 Lexus LX600 offer great features for different needs. If you love adventure and want a tough SUV, the Land Cruiser might be perfect with its strong engine and off-road skills. But if luxury and comfort are your priorities, the LX600 could be better with its spacious and fancy interior. It all depends on what you value most in a car.