2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Lexus NX

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins as the utilitarian "G-Wagen" from 1979. Despite continuous updates, the G-Class maintained its distinctive flat hood, prominent corner lights, and robust body sides. Subtle styling updates for 2025 included a new grille and bumpers, but the traditional design elements remained unchanged. The vehicle's character was further emphasized by its hefty doors and latches, which produced a loud clacking noise. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim, while the interior boasted a luxurious design with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, enhancing the vehicle's rugged yet opulent appeal.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus NX presented a fresh design with integrated styling elements like chunky fenders and a spindle grille. The design team refined existing features, ensuring a cohesive look. The NX was available in various powertrain options, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, with packages like F Sport adding adaptive dampers and black wheels. Despite its bold styling, the NX's base model didn't fully meet luxury expectations, with the F Sport 3 package offering sport seats and aluminum pedals. The NX's interior, while comfortable, didn't significantly surpass high-end Toyota models, and the Executive package provided leather upholstery and additional features.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models included a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered various powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite a respectable 7.0-second zero to 100 km/h time, the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance, with the latter achieving 304 hp and a 6.1-second zero to 100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and firm dampers resulted in an uncomfortable ride, and the steering lacked engagement, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, and its design provided good forward visibility and ease of parking.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. The front seats felt constrained, and visibility was hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up, and the NX had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms. The interior featured large cupholders, but overall space trailed competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included dual 12.3-inch screens, an off-road menu, and a "Transparent Hood" feature. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition were notable MBUX features, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system was expected to be standard.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher packages included a head-up display and a Mark Levinson audio system. Data connectivity packages offered additional features, but some controls, like fan speed, were awkward to use. The voice recognition system had limitations, and the digital cluster presented information efficiently.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. Standard driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for crashes, and new features included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centring.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane centring assist. Additional features included park assist and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick from IIHS but lacked NHTSA ratings.