Lexus GX vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking new exterior that drew inspiration from classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, LED headlights, and a well-proportioned grille contributed to its bold and rugged appearance. The Overtrail+ model, with its 33-inch tires and matte grey wheels, further enhanced its off-road-ready look. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean design, quality switchgear, and chic dashboard layout. The spacious interior offered ample headroom and comfortable seating, featuring NuLuxe faux leather with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and an elevated ride height.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid adopted a more conservative design, reminiscent of the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale. Its exterior, painted in Storm Cloud, gave it a subdued yet sophisticated look. Inside, the Grand Highlander prioritized function over form, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The interior was spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers, and offered generous cargo space. However, some unlined storage areas and sharp door angles were noted as potential drawbacks.

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, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided robust performance. The GX accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its predecessor. Despite its weight, the GX felt agile, with impressive off-road capabilities. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, on the other hand, combined a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 362 horsepower. This setup offered quick acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its six-speed automatic transmission. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg combined, it excelled in towing capacity, handling up to 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with some tire squeal during aggressive driving.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a spacious interior, 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. Cargo space was a highlight, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating across all three rows, with a maximum cargo space of nearly 100 cubic feet. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials, though some storage areas were unlined. The second-row captain’s chairs offered flexibility, and the third row was reasonably comfortable for adults. However, the rear doors required ample space to open fully, which could be inconvenient in tight parking situations.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided good sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX also included multiple USB-C ports and a spacious armrest storage area.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various connected services. The system was easy to use, though some font and screen layout issues were noted. The Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a premium JBL audio system, which delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Lexus GX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and pedestrian detection. 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 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. While the safety tech operated accurately, some features, like Proactive Driving Assist, were found to be intrusive. 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.