2026 Lexus NX vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being a few years into its second generation, maintained a fresh appearance with its well-integrated styling elements. The design featured chunky fenders, headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, and taillights connected by a thin strip, all centered around the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. While it wasn't as classically handsome as some competitors like the Genesis GV70 or Volvo XC60, it avoided the awkwardness seen in models like the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The Lexus design team refined the existing design, ensuring that elements like the big grille and LED DRLs appeared intentional rather than added for visual impact. The oversized grille, a long-standing controversial feature, was balanced by the placement of the headlights and side air intakes.

For the 2026 model year, Lexus offered the NX in various powertrain options, including non-hybrid NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ specs. Trim levels ranged from base to Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling, with the latter adding features like adaptive dampers and black 20-inch wheels. Despite the brand's extroverted styling, Lexus maintained customer loyalty, although the base NX 350 didn't fully meet luxury expectations. The F Sport Handling model's interior, with its sport seats and aluminum pedals, didn't feel significantly upgraded from the Toyota RAV4, sharing the same platform. The NX 350 Luxury grade offered more luxurious features like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS, part of the third-generation X167 series, underwent significant changes for the model year. The new front end featured a virtual galaxy design with headlights incorporating three-pointed star elements, a grille adorned with miniature stars, and a black surround connecting the headlights and grille. The rear echoed this motif with new taillights set into a one-piece panel. The standard series included the six-cylinder GLS 450 4Matic and V8 GLS 580 4Matic models, along with the AMG GLS 63 performance model and ultra-luxury Maybach GLS 680. The GLS 580 showcased a large Mercedes star in the grille, while the GLS 450 featured an illuminated hood ornament. The AMG model boasted a sporty body kit and unique wheels.

The facelifted 2027 GLS appeared more ostentatious compared to its predecessor, which had a more honest, boxy shape. However, the increased bling factor made it less likely to be overshadowed by competitors like the Escalade or Range Rover. Inside, the GLS featured a bold Superscreen display spanning the dashboard, though it lacked charm. The interior retained its high level of fit and finish, with ambient lighting enhancing the cabin's special feel. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, justifying comparisons to the S-Class.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrain options, but the standard hardware in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine, related to the one in the Toyota Tacoma, felt more suited for a pickup truck than a luxury SUV. Despite a respectable 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, the sluggish transmission made achieving this difficult. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models appeared more promising on paper, with the latter offering 304 hp and a 6-second zero to 60 mph time.

The NX's F Sport Handling upgrade included adaptive dampers and 20-inch wheels, but the ride quality was uncomfortable, and the driving experience was unengaging due to lifeless steering. Lexus struggled with performance models compared to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and the NX's poor ride quality detracted from its core strengths of quietness, comfort, and refinement. While sound deadening minimized unwanted noise, wind noise at highway speeds disrupted cabin serenity.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured updated powertrains for improved responsiveness and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. All models included an integrated starter/generator electric motor, nine-speed automatic transmissions, and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLS 450 had a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0–60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The GLS 580 boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The GLS 580 impressed with its quick acceleration and retained its signature bassy rumble. The optional E-Active Body Control system provided a soft, well-cushioned ride, counteracting pitch and roll. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 680 featured a higher-output version of the V8, with the AMG model achieving 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The AMG model included a performance-tuned transmission, suspension, limited-slip differential, and beefier brakes.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space for a compact luxury SUV but had some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was closer to the Audi and Mercedes, while the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered outward visibility due to the deep dashboard and large exterior mirrors. The rear window was small, but the digital rearview mirror helped. The F Sport Handling spec included sport seats with extra bolstering, which were comfortable but unnecessary given the NX's performance limitations.

Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing most competitors. The NX's 2,000-pound maximum towing capacity was also below class-leading figures. However, the center console featured large cupholders, enhancing convenience.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS was a six-seater by default, with the option to convert to a seven-seater with a second-row bench. Dimensions remained unchanged, providing ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. Third-row legroom was comparable to larger SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and Infiniti QX80. The front seats were comfortable, but tall drivers struggled to find a proper driving position. The center console's large grab handles blocked controls, and the sun visors were ineffective against side window glare.

The optional Executive Rear Seat Package Plus included massaging seats, remote infotainment controls, sun blinds, and a large center armrest with storage and cupholders. The third row featured USB ports and heated seats, while a five-zone climate control system allowed occupants to set their preferred temperature. Access to the third row was facilitated by a power-sliding second row, and the power tailgate provided access to 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The GLS's 7,700-pound towing capacity was respectable, and an optional trailer-backup assist system eased trailer maneuvering.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, with a 14-inch display optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Wireless device charging, a head-up display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were available. Data connectivity packages offered features like cloud-based navigation, digital key functionality, emergency assistance, and maintenance scheduling.

The 14-inch touchscreen in the test car was well-placed but had room for improvement. Temperature control knobs were large, but fan speed adjustment required an awkward touch slider. The voice recognition system responded to commands but couldn't switch SiriusXM stations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, with a numerical speedometer readout surrounded by a tachometer or powertrain-state meter, depending on the model.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS introduced the Superscreen, a dashboard-spanning housing with three 12.3-inch screens. The MBUX infotainment system, based on Mercedes' MB.OS operating system, offered a familiar interface with widgets over a map view and a more conventional icon layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained, and the voice recognition system received AI enhancements. The front-passenger screen displayed videos and games, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added 11.6-inch screens for the second row. Inward-facing cameras and a Microsoft Teams app enabled videoconferencing.

A 15-speaker Burmester audio system with Dolby Atmos was standard, with a 26-speaker system available. Other tech options included a head-up display and digital-key functionality.

The 2026 Lexus NX featured the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. Electronic door handles were linked to a Safe Exit Assist feature. Additional driver-assist features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in the moderate overlap front crash test. NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard driver-assistance features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality was also standard. Optional features included steering assist, lane-change assist, parking assist, and a surround-view camera system. Mercedes planned to release a more advanced driver-assistance system via an over-the-air update. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential in collisions.