2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Lexus GX

The 2026 Lexus NX maintained a fresh appearance despite being a few years into its second generation. 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 too conservative nor awkward. The design team refined the existing recipe, carrying over key elements like the big grille and LED DRLs from the previous generation, but with a more cohesive integration. The NX was available in non-hybrid NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ specs, with various trim levels. However, the base NX 350 fell short of luxury expectations, with an interior that didn't feel significantly upgraded from the Toyota RAV4, despite the F Sport Handling's sport seats and aluminum pedals.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly in the Overtrail trim, exuded a rugged and adventurous aura. It featured gray wheel arch cladding, simulated skid plates, and all-terrain tires, making it look ready for any terrain. Inside, the Overtrail model had a utilitarian yet quality-focused cabin with tan artificial leather and olive-green simulated suede trim. The GX's design was boxy but stylish, with a distinctive Lexus grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The tall windows and hood blisters enhanced visibility, while the liftgate design added to its robust appearance. The GX's interior emphasized utility, with a focus on quality and advanced digital displays.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard setup in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite a respectable 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, and the transmission's lethargy made achieving that time challenging. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter boasting 304 hp and a 6-second 0-60 mph time. However, the NX's indifferent chassis tuning and firm dampers resulted in uncomfortable ride quality and an unengaging driving experience.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus GX 550 was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine generating 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking center differential. The Overtrail trim added off-road enhancements like an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. The adaptive variable suspension and E-KDSS improved off-road capability, while the twin-turbo V6 provided speedy acceleration with a credible 6.5-second 0-60 mph time. However, the GX's fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV, but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered outward visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also limited to 2,000 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially for shorter individuals, but offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe upholstery, heating, and ventilation. The Luxury trim added real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total. The second-row bench seat was wide but had a low, flat cushion and less-than-ideal backrest angle. Storage space was adequate, but the GX's utilitarian interior design limited some storage options.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. It featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages with subscription options. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement, with awkward touch sliders for fan speed adjustment. The voice recognition system was helpful but had limitations, and the digital instrument cluster presented information efficiently.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display with configurable data panels for off-roading and trailering information. A 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had contrast issues in daytime mode. The system included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The GX also had a panoramic-view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was poorly placed.

The 2026 Lexus NX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additional driver-assist features were available, such as park assist and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test.

The 2026 Lexus GX also came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The PDA system was helpful but could be uncomfortable, and the lane-centering assist had some unnatural steering inputs. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of writing.