Toyota 4Runner vs Lexus GX

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared a striking resemblance with the Tacoma pickup, especially from the front, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. It boasted a robust and muscular appearance, with pronounced haunches at each wheel and black wheel flares on the off-road models. The sheet metal was heavily creased and angled, with particularly deep creases along the sides. The grille sat high, above a lower intake with an underbite, particularly noticeable on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models, which featured unique bumpers for improved approach angles. These models also had heritage-inspired front ends with "Toyota" lettering on the grille and an integrated light bar. The rear side windows extended into the roof, reminiscent of the original 4Runner from the 1980s. Wheel sizes varied from 17 to 20 inches.

Inside, the 4Runner's interior was simple and utilitarian, featuring chunky control dials that were easy to operate with gloved hands. The dash, centre console, and door tops were adorned with hard plastic, while only the centre console bin cover and door armrests were soft to the touch. Cloth upholstery was standard, with synthetic leather on the off-road models for easy cleaning. Leather upholstery was standard on the Limited and Platinum trims, but even with leather, the cabin never exuded a high-end feel.

The 2026 Lexus GX offered a range of packages for Canadian models, including Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive, adding between $8,738 and $25,834 to the GX 500’s base price of $89,595. The GX 550 Overtrail test unit had a Canadian MSRP of $99,945, just shy of the federal luxury tax threshold. The Nori Green Pearl colour, one of the few non-black, white, or grey options, gave the GX 550 Overtrail an outdoorsy look. It featured grey wheel arch cladding, skid plates, ladder-type roof rails, knobby all-terrain tires, and exclusive grey wheels, enhancing its rugged appearance.

Inside, the Overtrail test vehicle featured tan artificial leather with black bolsters and olive-green simulated suede trim. The cabin emphasized utility with industrial design themes, exuding quality and featuring advanced digital driver and touchscreen infotainment displays. The GX had a distinctive style, with the Lexus grille and triple-beam LED headlights making it instantly recognizable. Hood blisters improved visibility from the driver’s seat, while fender bulges conveyed capability. Tall windows aided visibility, and the rear liftgate featured a simple horizontal taillight recessed into the design above a substantial rear bumper.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner in Canada offered two powertrains and two 4WD systems. The base engine, known as i-Force, was a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder generating 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The i-Force Max hybrid added an electric motor, increasing output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The U.S. specification TRD Off-Road Premium package with the hybrid powertrain, not available in Canada, delivered a mid-to-low seven-second 0 to 100 km/h time. The eight-speed automatic transmission was well-matched to the engine, with more aggressive tuning in Sport mode. The hybrid's torque was beneficial for off-roading, especially in the low-range 4Lo setting with Crawl Control engaged.

The 4Runner offered part-time or full-time 4WD. The TRD Off-Road Premium package featured a part-time system with 4Hi and 2Hi settings, allowing drivers to choose from six Multi-Terrain System (MTS) drive modes. The Limited and Platinum models had a full-time 4WD system with a locking centre differential. Off-road features included a locking rear differential, Bilstein remote-reservoir dampers, running boards, increased ground clearance, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro models had additional off-road enhancements, such as disconnecting sway bars, unique front bumpers, and various protective features. However, the off-road focus compromised on-road dynamics, with notable lean in corners and firm suspension.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD system, and locking centre differential. The Overtrail model added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, hill descent control, and a low-speed cruise control system. It had 18-inch matte grey wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and an aluminum front skid plate. The adaptive variable suspension added a 2.5-centimetre lift, and the E-KDSS disconnected the anti-roll bars for greater wheel articulation off-road. The GX excelled in challenging conditions, with impressive wheel articulation and effective hill descent control.

On-road, the GX 550 Overtrail was enjoyable to drive, with the adaptive suspension absorbing bumps and the twin-turbo V6 providing speedy acceleration. Lexus claimed a 6.8-second 0 to 100 km/h time, which was credible. However, the GX's drag coefficient of 0.39 and curb weight of 2,570 kilograms resulted in high fuel consumption. Natural Resources Canada estimated 13.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with observed figures of 14.0 L/100 km on the test route and 14.7 L/100 km on the mountainous loop. The GX was well-suited to commuting, with excellent visibility and surround-view cameras aiding parking.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two seating configurations: two rows for five passengers or three rows for up to seven. The front seats were the most comfortable, with manual adjustment as standard and heated front seats in Canada. Power front seat adjustments were available in all but the base and TRD Sport packages. The second row had decent space but lacked comfort, with low seat bottoms and limited thigh support. The Platinum trim added heated second-row seats. The three-row version was suspected to have even less comfort, with limited legroom of 808 millimetres.

Cargo space was comparable to midsize rivals but less accessible. Hybrid two-row models had 1,206 litres of space behind the second row and 2,339 litres behind the first row. The gas-powered three-row configuration offered 343 litres behind the third row, 1,269 litres behind the second row, and 2,381 litres with all seats folded. The second row could fold flat or tilt up to create a flat load floor, but hybrid models had a higher load floor, reducing space.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, equipped with optional rock sliders, required a hop and core strength to enter, especially for shorter individuals. The driver and front passenger enjoyed comfortable power-adjustable seats with NuLuxe artificial leather upholstery and standard heating and ventilation. Real leather and massaging front seats were available in higher packages. Heated outboard second-row seats were offered in most packages, while the Executive package added second-row captain’s chairs. The Overtrail packages did not include a third-row seat, which was acceptable given the limited space.

The second-row bench seat was wide enough for three teenagers but had a low and flat cushion with an uncomfortable backrest angle. The GX's interior emphasized utility, but storage space was limited, with small door armrest trays and narrow lower bins. The dashboard lacked extra storage options. The Overtrail model offered the most cargo space, with 1,291 litres behind the back seat and a maximum capacity of 2,548 litres. The load height was relatively high, and the bumper protruded, making it useful for stepping on but potentially soiling clothes when loading or unloading items.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came standard with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen. The instrument cluster expanded to 12.3 inches in all but the base model, and the touchscreen grew to 14 inches starting with the TRD Off-Road Premium package. The 14-inch screen lacked a home screen and distinctive design elements but was easy to use with quick access icons. The 4Runner included a three-year trial of Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Service Connect, with Drive Connect available with some packages.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provided programmable information, controlled via a five-way controller on the steering wheel. Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a three-month satellite radio trial, and a wireless phone charger in most packages. The standard radio had eight speakers, while most packages added a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a removable portable Bluetooth speaker.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, providing data panels for off-roading and trailering information. The 14-inch touchscreen integrated the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was simple to use but had low contrast in daytime mode. The system could only display one menu at a time, with climate controls and a shortcut menu at the bottom. The Lexus Interface included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services plans, including Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect.

Drive Connect offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant, which responded well to most commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing simultaneous display of navigation and media. The GX 550 Overtrail included a panoramic view monitor and a multi-terrain monitor, offering extensive camera views. However, the view activation button was obscured by the steering wheel, making it less convenient to use.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road sign recognition, and high beam assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Despite being overhauled for 2025, the 4Runner received mixed crash scores, with four out of five stars overall from the NHTSA and a Marginal score in the IIHS moderate front overlap crash test. It received Good ratings in the updated side crash test and for its front crash prevention systems.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with a comprehensive list of driver assistance systems, bundled in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package. It included high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane centring assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan.

During testing, the PDA system was helpful but could be uncomfortable due to automated braking. The lane-centring assist feature had some unnatural steering inputs, but they were easy to override. The adaptive cruise control's automated braking was not as smooth as expected. At the time of writing, the GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.