Avik Roy Chowdhury 2026 Lexus GX Review, Rugged Luxury with Modern Tech and Off‑Road Power
The 2026 Lexus GX blends traditional off-roader strength with refined comfort and cutting-edge tech. Whether navigating rugged trails or cruising city streets, this luxury SUV now delivers serious capability along with impressive comfort and smart features.
What’s New in This
Lexus carries forward the third-generation GX introduced in 2024 with no major mechanical changes for 2026—but a few smart upgrades keep it fresh. From 2025, every trim received a power-adjustable steering column, memory for driver settings, and an inch more lift in the off-road Overtrail trims. Expect the same feature set to continue for 2026.
Competitors
The GX faces strong rivals in the luxury off-road SUV segment, including:
- Land Rover Defender—renowned for rugged styling and real adventure capability
- Volvo XC90—offers refined comfort and a spacious cabin
- Rivian R1S—electric option with strong performance
- Lexus TX (larger sibling) offering three‑row luxury crossover format
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 3.4 L twin‑turbo V6 engine with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft torque
- Genuine off-road capability in Overtrail trims: lifted suspension, locking differential, skidplates, and crawl control.
- Premium interior with new 14-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and optional massaging seats.
- Robust towing capacity up to 8,000 lbs
- Full Lexus safety suite with driver assistance features standard
Cons:
- Fuel economy trails rivals at about 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
- Interior materials fall short of top-tier rivals
- Cargo space is less generous than some competitors
- Bulkier size limits urban maneuverability
Performance
Every 2026 GX comes equipped with the durable twin‑turbo V6 powering all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0–60 mph takes around 6.3 seconds in performance testing. Off-road trims include advanced systems like terrain select, crawl control, downhill assist, and a locking rear differential that ensure confident performance in rugged conditions.
Comfort
Lexus delivers typical refinement with the GX. Inside, the cabin is quiet and supportive, with front-row seats offering heat, ventilation, and optional massage functions. Second-row seats offer generous space and the optional third row seats up to seven passengers. Overtrail trims add improved rear visibility and easier entry with higher ride height and walking-friendly steps. The ride is cushioned yet controlled, even over rough terrain.
Interior
Inside the 2026 GX you’ll find:
- A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable layout
- Optional Mark Levinson sound system, rear-seat entertainment, ambient lighting and head-up display
- Ergonomic layout guided by Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit philosophy for intuitive control access
- Flexible seating with available captain’s chairs and power-folding third row
- Clean storage options and cargo capacity of approximately 40 cu ft behind second row, expanding to 76.9 cu ft behind front row.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Lexus continues with six main variants:
| Trim | Estimated Starting Price |
| Premium | ~$64 000 |
| Premium+ | Mid‑$60 000s |
| Luxury | ~$70 000 |
| Luxury+ | High‑$70 000s |
| Overtrail | ~$75 000 |
| Overtrail+ | ~$85 000 |
Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims focus on off-road excellence and premium extras like ventilated massaging seats, upgraded ambient lighting, and advanced terrain tech.
Conclusion
The 2026 Lexus GX redefines what a luxury off-roader can be. It now delivers serious off-road excellence matched with refined comfort and intuitive tech. While fuel economy and urban agility may trail some rivals, the GX makes up for it with sturdy capability, premium safety, and Lexus-level luxury.
