2025 Lexus GX vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Lexus GX was a striking departure from its predecessors, boasting a completely redesigned exterior that drew inspiration from classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, accented by LED headlights and a tastefully sized grille, gave it a robust yet refined appearance. The Overtrail+ variant, with its 33-inch tires and matte grey wheels, further enhanced its rugged charm. Inside, the GX maintained a luxurious atmosphere with high-quality switchgear and chic design elements. The spacious cabin offered ample headroom and visibility, complemented by features like a head-up display and comfortable NuLuxe seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more understated luxury experience. Available in various trims, the TX 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and bold Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the interior featured ambient lighting and suede trim. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were a novel touch, but the overall cabin lacked the attention to detail found in competitors like the Volvo XC90 or Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrids.

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, allowed the GX to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, despite its hefty 5,666-pound curb weight. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power across the rev band, making highway merges effortless. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The GX excelled off-road, with features like a locking center differential and downhill assist control, making it a formidable trail companion.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ combined a 3.5-liter V6 with a hybrid system to produce 404 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid offered multiple drive modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving needs. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effortlessly. Its AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. While the TX's Sport mode offered increased throttle sensitivity, it wasn't designed for aggressive driving, focusing instead on comfort and efficiency.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior space, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the rear. 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. Its towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further highlighted its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably, while the second row offered captain's chairs with a removable console. Cargo space was abundant, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The TX's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, suitable for moderate hauling needs. However, the second-row seats were challenging to fold flat, and the front seats lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch gauge cluster. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a Mark Levinson Premium Audio system available as an option. The GX's tech was intuitive, with smooth operation and clear graphics, although the audio system required higher volume levels at highway speeds.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was responsive, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel controls were confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched from satellite radio to Apple CarPlay without reason. While smartphone connectivity was standard, in-dash navigation required a subscription. The TX offered advanced parking features and a rear-camera mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Lexus GX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and pedestrian detection. The system operated smoothly, with features like road sign assist and blind-spot monitoring enhancing safety. The GX also included a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras, aiding visibility during off-road adventures. Although not yet rated by safety organizations, the GX featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.

The 2026 Lexus TX also included Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. However, Proactive Driving Assist was often intrusive, prompting users to disable it. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed in traffic. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from IIHS, with "Acceptable" and "Good" ratings in various crash tests.