The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of a few Toyota SUV options that offer a third row. It’s also the most expensive. And, although it’s a Toyota, it crushed its corporate cousin on the U.S. News and World Report list of the best large luxury SUVs of 2021. The 2021 Lexus LX 570 came in No. 9––which is dead last––while the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser takes the No. 7 spot.

So how did the Land Cruiser beat the Lexus LX? By bringing a lot of versatility and capability to the table. Toyota may not be a luxury brand. But auto critics agree that the Land Cruiser fits into the large luxury SUV class. In fact, while it’s nowhere near the top of its class, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser dominated the 2021 Lexus LX.

Is the Toyota Land Cruiser worth buying?

The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those novelty SUVs. Those who want one know who they are and they already know they probably don’t want anything else. The new Land Cruiser comes from a long line of boxy off-road SUVs. Older Land Cruiser models like the 70 series or the J40 Land Cruiser are still popular for collectors.

So it’s kind of one of those “when you know you know” things with the Land Cruiser. However, if you are looking for the best of the best, most modern, and critically acclaimed three-row SUV U.S. News recommends other options like the Mercedes-Benz GLS or BMW X7. That said, the Land Cruiser has a lot to offer to the right families. The 2021 Land Cruiser is the newest in an SUV pedigree with a fantastic reputation for reliability and off-road capability.

Starting at $85,515, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is an ultimate family overland truck. It has the 2021 Lexus LX 570 beat in terms of towing, practicality, and pricing. For example, a new Land Cruiser has standard third-row seating. A Lexus LX costs thousands more with the third-row seating option.

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 is even more of a dinosaur than the Land Cruiser

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 is ancient news. It meets all of the expectations of its class and that’s pretty much it. An opulent cabin, a comfortable ride, and some off-road capability are all features large luxury SUV options are expected to bring to the table.

The 2021 Lexus LX shares its brawny V8 engine with its corporate cousin (the Land Cruiser). In addition, the LX also employs the same transmission pairing and the same 4×4 system. It’s much like the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser with some different styling and badging––and a more annoying infotainment system, dated as the Land Cruiser’s may be.

Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Lexus LX

Where it strays from sharing with the Land Cruiser are the downfalls of the 2021 Lexus LX 570. It costs more, for example. The two-row option starts at $86,580. The three-row option––since the LX doesn’t offer this standard––costs quite a bit more, starting at $91,580. Additionally, the Land Cruiser tows up to 8,100 pounds while its corporate cousin can only tow up to 7,000.

We think the Land Cruiser is the better pick for most shoppers.

U.S. News and World Report

Overall, the Land Cruiser is a better choice for virtually anyone deciding between the two. Neither are considered the best among large luxury SUV options. Still, the 2021 Lexus LX falls short of its corporate cousin.