2026 Lexus GX Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
If you need just one car to be comfortable for everyday driving and capable when the pavement ends, the Lexus GX might be the right fit. Redesigned for 2024 after nearly 15 years, the current-generation GX takes a classic approach to off-road utility while embracing contemporary trends in automotive tech. Lexus made minor updates for 2025, so we aren’t expecting major changes for 2026. The GX competes in a small segment of luxury off-roaders, but it faces stiff competition from the Land Rover Defender and Rivian R1S.
What’s New
Lexus typically makes small changes from model year to model year, but we don’t anticipate any major updates for 2026. Last year’s short list of improvements included a standard power tilt-and-telescoping steering column for all trims as well as a standard memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. The off-road-focused Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims received an additional inch of suspension lift and prewired auxiliary switches.
What We Think
Lexus walks a tricky tightrope with the GX, which slots above the TX and below the LX within the automaker’s SUV lineup. As a luxury off-roader, the GX has to be as comfortable for daily use as it is capable when the going gets rough. Fortunately for Lexus, the GX has mostly proven to balance this dichotomy well. However, there are a few sticking points that hold the SUV back.
On-road comfort is excellent, as are the GX’s trail-conquering chops. The GX packs a powerful twin-turbo V-6 engine paired with a smooth-shifting transmission, although efficiency remains a weak point for the midsize SUV. Fortunately, the powertrain is quiet, and whatever engine noise makes it into the cabin can easily be drowned out by music. The ride errs on the soft side, which fits the GX’s boxy and retro character.
Build quality inside the cabin is up to the standard we expect of Lexus, although the automaker could have used higher-end materials to further distinguish its SUV from its cross-brand sibling, the Toyota Land Cruiser. In fact, similarities in size and capabilities to the Toyota are perhaps the GX’s biggest shortcomings.
Lexus has done solid work keeping the GX relevant in its latest incarnation, but the Land Rover Defender 110 still managed to win in a comparison test against the rugged Overtrail+ model. With a little more on-road poise, the GX could finally attain the perfect balance it needs to be an excellent all-arounder.
Performance and MPGs
Every 2026 Lexus GX is expected to come equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine developing 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is likely to return, sending that output to a full-time 4WD system. In our testing, 0–60 mph takes as little as 6.3 seconds. The 2025 Lexus GX comes in at 15/21 mpg city/highway. Lexus outfits Premium, Premium+, and Overtrail trims with a standard tow hitch, allowing for a towing capacity as high as 8,000 pounds.
The Upgraded Lexus GX Overtrail and Overtrail+
Those who are serious about taking their GX off-road should spring for either of the Overtrail models, which receive a standard 1.0-inch suspension lift. Ground clearance totals 9.9 inches, which allows for approach, breakover, and departure angles of 28, 26, and 24 degrees. Wading depth sits at 27.56 inches.
Other features that differentiate the Overtrail range from the standard GX lineup include pre-wired auxiliary switches, automatic anti-roll bar disconnects, an electronically locking rear differential, 33-inch tires, and skidplates. Lexus also equips downhill assist control and crawl control with turn assist, although that second feature needs some work. Overtrail+ models are more luxurious with a 10-way power driver’s seat that’s ventilated and heated, massaging front seats, themed ambient lighting, heated second-row outboard seats, second-row manual sunshades, illuminated door sills, a power rear door with a kick sensor, and parking assistance with rear pedestrian detection.
Safety Features
Every version of the 2026 GX is expected to come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assistance features. All models receive automatic emergency braking and steering, lane keeping and centering, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors with low-speed braking are also standard. A 360-degree camera is standard with the Premium+ model. Lexus Proactive Driving Assist automatically intervenes with gentle braking and steering support for curves or nearby vehicles, but we’ve found this feature to be overly intrusive in our testing.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Lexus offers five- and seven-seater configurations for the Lexus GX, which we expect to also be true for the 2026 model year. Interior space generally measures favorably against the GX’s chief rival, the Land Rover Defender 130.
Technology
A strong suite of features comes standard across the entire Lexus GX range. All models receive a standard 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver information display. The base model is well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated and ventilated front seats, 10-speaker audio, and a power liftgate. As of 2025, Lexus has also made driver’s seat, steering wheel, and mirror memory standard across the entire GX range. Higher trims come equipped with a head-up display, wireless charger, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio, hands-free liftgate, heated second-row seats, and power-folding third row seats. Overtrail+ models come equipped with massaging front seats.
Which 2026 Lexus GX Trim Level Is Best?
We aren’t expecting Lexus to change the GX’s trim structure for 2026, so the off-road SUV will likely continue to be offered in the following grades: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. We continue to favor the Overtrail model, which blends comfort, utility, and off-road capability.
