Lexus GX vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a blend of practicality and subtle luxury. It featured a turbocharged Hybrid Max configuration with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) and 362 horsepower, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. The exterior design was reminiscent of the popular RAV4, scaled up to accommodate up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. Inside, the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery, though some hard plastic surfaces hinted at its value-oriented roots. The interior layout prioritized functionality, with logically arranged controls and a straightforward climate system, although the infotainment interface left room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus GX exuded rugged elegance, particularly in the Overtrail trim. Its Nori Green Pearl exterior and off-road-ready features like skid plates and all-terrain tires emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the GX combined utility with quality, featuring tan artificial leather and olive-green simulated suede trim. The cabin was technologically advanced, with digital driver and touchscreen infotainment displays. Despite its boxy design, the GX maintained a sense of style with its distinctive Lexus grille and LED headlights. The interior was spacious, though the third-row seat was absent in the Overtrail trim, allowing for increased cargo capacity.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a robust 362 horsepower. This setup provided impressive acceleration, making highway merging and city driving a breeze. The traditional six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning typical of CVTs, enhancing the driving experience. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency for power, it still managed a respectable 8.8 L/100 km combined rating. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The Grand Highlander also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families with active lifestyles.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system, along with a locking centre differential, ensured capable off-road performance. The Overtrail trim added features like an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive variable suspension, enhancing its off-road prowess. Despite its rugged capabilities, the GX offered a smooth on-road experience, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds. However, its fuel consumption was higher, with a combined rating of 13.5 L/100 km. The GX excelled in challenging conditions, maintaining stability and control even on difficult terrain.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered generous interior space, with comfortable seating across three rows and a maximum cargo capacity of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of sophistication. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was spacious enough for adults and tall teens. However, the unlined storage compartments could contribute to cabin noise. The Grand Highlander’s cargo space was impressive, with 586 litres behind the third row and up to 2,761 litres with the second row folded.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, lacking a third-row seat, offered ample cargo space with a maximum capacity of 2,548 litres. The interior featured comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe upholstery, while the second-row bench seat accommodated three passengers. Storage options were somewhat limited, with small door bins and a need for more dashboard storage. The GX’s high load height and protruding bumper were practical for outdoor activities but could be inconvenient for loading and unloading. Despite its utilitarian design, the GX provided a comfortable and functional interior for both daily commutes and off-road adventures.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system was user-friendly, though the inability to display multiple menus simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a JBL premium audio system, enhancing the driving experience. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, though the infotainment interface could benefit from improved font contrast.

The 2026 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering a range of connected services and a digital assistant. The system was intuitive, though the daytime illumination mode’s low contrast was a minor issue. The GX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing simultaneous display of navigation and media information. The Overtrail trim featured a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button’s placement was less than ideal. Overall, the GX’s technology suite was comprehensive and well-suited to its off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. While the Proactive Driving Assist system was occasionally intrusive, the overall safety tech operated with accuracy. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The PDA system was less intrusive than in other models, though the lane-centring assist required occasional manual correction. The GX’s safety ratings were not available at the time of writing, but its comprehensive safety suite provided peace of mind for drivers.