Lexus GX vs Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance. Its design elements, such as the chunky fenders, integrated LED daytime running lights, and the spindle grille, were well-integrated, offering a balanced look that was neither as traditionally handsome as the Genesis GV70 nor as awkward as the Audi Q5. The design team at Lexus refined the existing design, ensuring that elements like the oversized grille and LED DRLs appeared intentional rather than added as an afterthought. The NX was available in various configurations, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, with packages like Luxury, F Sport, and Executive. However, the base NX 350 fell short of luxury expectations, with its interior not significantly surpassing high-end Toyota RAV4 versions. The F Sport 3 package added sporty elements but didn't fully compensate for the lack of luxury feel.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly in the Overtrail trim, presented a rugged and outdoorsy appearance. With features like grey wheel arch cladding, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, it was designed for adventure. The GX's interior, while not traditionally luxurious, exuded quality with its technologically advanced displays. The design included the iconic Lexus grille and triple-beam LED headlights, making it instantly recognizable. The GX's boxy design offered practicality, with hood blisters aiding visibility and tall windows enhancing the driver's view. The rear featured a liftgate with a simple horizontal taillight, recessed into the design above a substantial bumper. The GX's packages, such as Premium, Overtrail, and Executive, added significant value, with the Overtrail model being particularly well-suited for off-road adventures.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard setup in the NX 350 F Sport 3 was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite a respectable 7.0-second 0 to 100 km/h time, the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, and the transmission's sluggishness made achieving that time challenging. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance on paper, with the latter boasting 304 horsepower and a 6.1-second 0 to 100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning left much to be desired, with a firm ride and lifeless steering detracting from the driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus GX 550 was equipped with a robust twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking centre differential. The Overtrail model enhanced its off-road capabilities with an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. The adaptive variable suspension and E-KDSS system improved wheel articulation, making it adept at tackling challenging terrains. The GX's on-road performance was also commendable, with the adaptive suspension providing a comfortable ride. However, its fuel consumption was high, with a combined rating of 13.5 L/100 km, reflecting its substantial weight and less aerodynamic design.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space among compact luxury SUVs, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and visibility hindered by the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also modest at 907 kilograms.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, with its optional rock sliders, required some agility to enter, but once inside, it offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe upholstery. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space, with 1,291 litres behind the second row and a maximum of 2,548 litres. The second-row bench was spacious but lacked comfort for long journeys. Storage space was adequate, though not exceptional, with limited door bins and dashboard storage.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch display available in higher packages. It included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. The voice recognition system was helpful but had limitations, and the infotainment system's interface could be improved. The NX offered various connected services, though some required subscriptions after trial periods.

The 2026 Lexus GX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the display's contrast was better in night mode. The GX included connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect, with a digital assistant responding to voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the GX featured a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor for off-road navigation.

The 2026 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It also included electronic door handles with Safe Exit Assist. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it missed the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test.

The 2026 Lexus GX also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with additional driver assistance systems like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GX's Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. However, the GX had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.