Lexus GX vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a versatile SUV that offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged gas engine, a fuel-efficient hybrid system, and a robust Hybrid Max configuration with full-time all-wheel drive and 362 horsepower. The trim levels ranged from LE to Platinum, with prices spanning from $43,855 to $61,770. The top-tier Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, priced at $61,770, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish, resembling a grayish-blue hue. Its design was reminiscent of a larger RAV4, providing seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior, especially in the Platinum trim, emphasized functionality with a touch of luxury, though some materials like glossy hard plastic detracted from its premium feel. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had room for improvement, particularly with its small volume knob.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly the GX 550 Overtrail, was a rugged SUV with a distinctive Nori Green Pearl color, enhancing its outdoorsy appeal. It featured gray wheel arch cladding, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, giving it a ready-for-anything look. Inside, the Overtrail model had a utilitarian yet quality-focused cabin with tan artificial leather and olive-green suede trim. The design leaned towards industrial themes, with advanced digital displays for both the driver and infotainment systems. The GX's exterior was characterized by its boxy shape, prominent Lexus grille, and triple-beam LED headlights, making it easily recognizable. The vehicle's design elements, such as hood blisters and fender bulges, highlighted its capability, while tall windows improved visibility. The rear featured a recessed liftgate with a horizontal taillight above a substantial bumper.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was designed for performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max offered impressive power, it came with a fuel economy trade-off, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, 1,500 more than the regular hybrid. During testing, it averaged 26 mpg on a balanced city-highway route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though road undulations could cause some vertical and lateral movement. Handling was secure at moderate speeds, but the tires tended to scrub and squeal early. Visibility was excellent, aided by front, rear, and top-down cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Overtrail model added off-road enhancements like an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. It rode on 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and had an adaptive variable suspension with a one-inch lift. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, handling challenging terrains with ease. On-road, it offered a comfortable ride, though the tires weren't ideal for spirited driving. The V6 provided quick acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.8 mpg on a test route and 16 mpg on a mountainous loop. The GX's visibility and parking ease were commendable, aided by surround-view cameras, though the tires and suspension still transmitted some road imperfections.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered spacious seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. However, unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, providing a premium feel. The front and second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with supportive cushions. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially with optional rock sliders. The front seats were power-adjustable with NuLuxe upholstery, heating, and ventilation. The Luxury trim offered real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space—45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet maximum. The second-row bench seat was wide but had a low, flat cushion. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and bins. The load height was high, and the bumper protruded, useful for stepping on but potentially messy for loading items.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it couldn't display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus GX had a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Lexus Interface was easy to use, though the daytime mode's low contrast was a drawback. The system couldn't display multiple menus simultaneously, but climate controls and a shortcut menu were accessible. The GX included connected services like Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a digital assistant for voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Overtrail model had a panoramic-view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was poorly placed.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The safety tech was generally accurate, though the lane-keep assist occasionally strayed too close to lane markers. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight and frontal-impact ratings.

The 2026 Lexus GX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitors and parking sensors. The PDA system was helpful but could be uncomfortable due to automated braking. Lane-centering assist required manual corrections, and adaptive cruise control braking wasn't always smooth. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of writing.