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 color. 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 its integrated styling elements, including chunky fenders and a spindle grille. While not as classically handsome as some competitors, the NX's design was cohesive and refined. The NX was available in various trims and powertrains, including non-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. However, the base NX 350's interior felt less luxurious than expected, with an all-black design that didn't quite match the brand's luxury reputation. The F Sport Handling trim added sporty elements but didn't significantly enhance the overall experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a full-time four-wheel drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GX could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. Despite its weight, the GX offered impressive performance, with strong acceleration and good handling. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the NX 350 had a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, the engine felt more suited to a pickup truck than a luxury SUV. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling performance on paper, with the latter achieving 304 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. However, the NX's chassis tuning and ride quality left much to be desired, with firm dampers and lifeless steering detracting from the driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior space, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the back. Legroom was ample, with 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. Despite its size, the GX was relatively easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Lexus NX provided competitive passenger space, though it had some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility. 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 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. The optional Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX also included multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Lexus NX came standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch display available on higher trims. The NX included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Additional tech features required data connectivity packages, which involved subscriptions after trial periods. The voice recognition system offered some convenience, but had limitations in functionality.

The 2025 Lexus GX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The system operated smoothly and was not intrusive during testing. The GX also featured a 360-degree camera system and 10 airbags for occupant protection. However, it had not yet been rated by major safety organizations.

The 2026 Lexus NX also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. Additional options included park assist and a 360-degree camera system. 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. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.