Lexus GX vs Lexus NX

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessors. Its exterior was reminiscent of classic Land Rover models, with a boxy shape and a robust front accented by LED headlights and a well-proportioned grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ model featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, rock rails, and a distinctive Earth brown colour. Inside, the GX offered a luxurious and elegant atmosphere, with high-quality switchgear and chic design elements. The spacious interior provided ample headroom and visibility, with comfortable seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massaging functions.

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance with well-integrated styling elements, including chunky fenders and a spindle grille. While not as classically handsome as some competitors, the NX's design was refined, with key elements like the grille and LED DRLs appearing intentional. The NX was available in various powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with packages like F Sport adding sporty features. However, the base NX 350's interior felt less luxurious, with an all-black design that didn't significantly surpass high-end Toyota RAV4 models. The NX 350 Executive package offered leather upholstery and standard heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, allowed the GX to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds. Despite its 2,570-kilogram weight, the GX felt agile, with strong performance across the rev band. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19.0 L/100 km in mixed driving. The GX excelled off-road, with features like a locking centre differential and downhill assist control enhancing its capabilities.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine in the NX 350, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite a respectable 7.0-second 0-100 km/h time, the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, with a coarse exhaust note and a sluggish eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance on paper, with the latter achieving 304 hp and a 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time. However, the NX's chassis tuning and firm dampers resulted in an uncomfortable ride and unengaging driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior space, with front headroom measuring 1,001 mm and rear headroom at 1,095 mm. Legroom was ample, with 1,047 mm in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 2,563 litres available in the Overtrail packages. Despite its size, the GX was easy to manoeuvre and park, with a width of 1,999 mm and a length of 5,005 mm.

The 2026 Lexus NX provided competitive passenger space, though it fell short in some areas compared to rivals. Rear-seat headroom was comparable, but legroom was less generous. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility. 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 limited to 907 kilograms.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. A Mark Levinson Premium Audio system was available in higher packages, providing good audio quality. Six USB-C ports were standard, with additional features like cooled armrest storage in select packages.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the package. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Higher packages offered a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, with some functions limited by voice recognition capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and road sign assist. The Overtrail+ package added pedestrian detection. A 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras enhanced visibility. The GX had not been rated by safety organizations but included 10 airbags for occupant protection.

The 2026 Lexus NX also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included park assist and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top scores in most crash tests but an "Acceptable" score in the moderate overlap front crash test.