Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of models, including the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices spanning from $91,600 to $181,350. Our test vehicle, the GLS 450, featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, which added 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, the Night Package, and the Exclusive Package. These enhancements included massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, exclusive paint colors, premium leather upholstery, and Natural Grain Grey Oak interior wood trim. Despite the upgrades, the Manufaktur Silicon Grey paint on our test vehicle didn't stand out as particularly special. The interior, reminiscent of the smaller Mercedes GLE-Class, boasted high-quality materials, though we noticed some body creaks on cold mornings. The GLS 450 came with standard artificial leather upholstery, with options for three grades of leather and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the control layout, though idiosyncratic, was easy to acclimate to.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in several trims, with the TX 350 offering Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. For 2026, the 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Our test vehicle, the 550h+, sported 22-inch wheels and retained the large grille with bi-LED headlights. The interior offered two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. While ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a novel but unnecessary change. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that accommodated adults comfortably, though the second-row folding mechanism was cumbersome.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds. While more powerful versions were available, the GLS 450 offered the best fuel economy, rated at 21 mpg combined. During testing, we observed 19.4 mpg on a mountainous route. The GLS featured multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, and came with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics, making it easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger SUVs.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, though it wasn't overly aggressive. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the brakes were firm and linear. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as a no-cost option. The Maybach GLS 600 was limited to five passengers. The GLS was exceptionally comfortable, with standard features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. Comfort upgrades included massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled cupholders. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs. While legroom was generous, the seating position was low. The third-row seat provided good thigh support, though legroom was snug. Storage was limited, but the glove compartment was spacious. The cargo area offered 17.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ featured standard luxury amenities like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Our test vehicle had second-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated third-row entry, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a retro yet luxurious feel. The MBUX infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. Options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” The assistant performed well, though it struggled with some commands.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. The backup camera offered a clear view, with an available Advanced Park system for automated parking. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet for larger devices.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Parking was aided by sensors and a surround-view camera system. The GLS required active driver participation, with a hands-on system that worked well in most situations. However, it struggled on curvy roads, and the curve-speed reduction technology was overly cautious.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering when needed, though it was often turned off due to its sensitivity. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star NHTSA ratings, while the TX received mixed IIHS scores.