Chevrolet Tahoe vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, largely due to its strong brand equity and practical capabilities. Known for its ability to tow substantial loads while accommodating up to nine passengers, the Tahoe maintained its appeal through a combination of ruggedness and versatility. Chevrolet opted for a conservative design refresh, introducing a new grille and updated lighting elements across its six trim levels. The Z71 trim, which we primarily tested, stood out with its off-road enhancements, including skid plates and all-terrain tires, while the interior boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen and improved cabin aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus GX offered a rugged yet stylish appearance, particularly in the Overtrail trim, which we tested. This model featured distinctive gray wheel arch cladding, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road readiness. Inside, the GX combined utility with quality, showcasing advanced digital displays and a focus on functionality. The cabin, while not traditionally luxurious, provided a sense of sophistication with its industrial design themes and technologically advanced features. The GX's exterior design, characterized by its iconic grille and LED headlights, contributed to its unique identity.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stood out with its engine options, offering two V8 choices and a diesel alternative. The 5.3-liter V8 delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V8 provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six, impressed with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, offering up to 27 mpg on the highway. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Z71 trim featured standard four-wheel drive. The Tahoe's suspension options, including Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride adaptive suspension, enhanced its ride quality and off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Lexus GX, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, along with an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive variable suspension, contributed to its off-road prowess. The GX's approach, breakover, and departure angles were improved in the Overtrail trim, enhancing its capability on challenging terrains. Despite its rugged nature, the GX offered a smooth on-road experience, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe excelled in towing capacity, with the ability to tow up to 8,400 pounds when equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 and Max Trailering package. Its cargo volume was substantial, offering 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, with all seats in place, the cargo space was limited to 25.5 cubic feet. The Tahoe's interior featured a new 17.7-inch touchscreen and improved cabin design, while the optional 24-inch wheels required Magnetic Ride Control for a smoother ride.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly in the Overtrail trim, offered a spacious interior with comfortable power-adjustable front seats and a second-row bench seat. However, the absence of a third-row seat in the Overtrail model limited its passenger capacity. The GX's cargo space was generous, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. The interior, while utilitarian, provided adequate storage options, though some areas could benefit from additional compartments.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a significant technological upgrade with a 17.7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Google Built-in services. The user experience, however, had a learning curve, particularly with the steering wheel controls and driver information display. The premium Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors, but the overall tech package represented a substantial improvement over previous models.

The 2026 Lexus GX boasted a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. While the system was user-friendly, the inability to display multiple menus simultaneously was a drawback. The GX offered complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, including cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Overtrail trim featured a panoramic-view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the activation button's placement was less than ideal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe included a comprehensive suite of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera. While the 2024 model received four out of five stars from NHTSA, the 2025 model had not yet been rated. The Tahoe's safety features aimed to prevent crashes, with GM's Super Cruise hands-free driving tech expected to be available in 2025.

The 2026 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert. The GX's Proactive Driving Assist system provided subtle braking and steering inputs, though some drivers preferred to disable it due to its occasional abruptness. At the time of writing, the GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.