Discovery 3 / 4 vs GX I (J120): which is better?
Land Rover Discovery 3 / 4 (2004–2016) vs Lexus GX I (J120) (2002–2009): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Lexus GX I (J120)Specifications
| Land Rover Discovery 3 / 4 | Lexus GX I (J120) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2004–2016 | 2002–2009 |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | diesel | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 TDV6 | 4.7 V8 (GX470) |
| Power, up to | 245 hp | 238 hp |
| Torque, up to | 600 Nm | 438 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 829 mm | 4 780 mm |
| Width | 1 915 mm | 1 880 mm |
| Height | 1 837 mm | 1 845 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 885 mm | 2 790 mm |
| Fuel tank | 82 L | 87 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Land Rover Discovery 3 / 4
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Lexus GX I (J120)
Pros
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: very reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 87 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2UZ-FE engine (4.7 V8): timing belt and water pump wear
- Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60 gearbox: jolts when the valve body wears
Engine (Toyota 2UZ-FE (4.7 V8)): timing belt and water pump wear; seal leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin A750 / AB60 / AC60): very reliable; shocks when the valve body wears.
Which one to choose
- Discovery 3 / 4 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- GX I (J120) — if you care more about: fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Discovery 3 / 4 or GX I (J120)?
Discovery 3 / 4: up to 245 hp, GX I (J120): up to 238 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Discovery 3 / 4 — about 42 425 ₸, GX I (J120) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.