Compare the2026 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2026 Lexus GX

The G-Class’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The GX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Mercedes G-Class’ backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system costs extra on the Lexus GX.

Both the G-Class and the GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 57 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The G 550’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 94 more horsepower (443 vs. 349) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 228 more horsepower (577 vs. 349) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 479) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6. The G 580’s standard electric motors produces 230 more horsepower (579 vs. 349) and 380 lbs.-ft. more torque (859 vs. 479) than the GX’s 3.4 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes G-Class is faster than the Lexus GX:

On the EPA test cycle the G 580 running on electricity gets better mileage than the GX 550 (68 city/56 hwy MPGe vs. 15 city/21 hwy).

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions for 239 miles. The GX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class AMG 63’s fuel efficiency. The GX doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the G-Class’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The G-Class has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the GX (26.4 vs. 21.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The G-Class AMG 63’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The GX doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the AMG G 63’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

The G-Class stops much shorter than the GX:

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (295/40R22 vs. 265/55R20).

The G-Class’ standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GX 550 Overtrail’s standard 70 series tires. The G-Class’ optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the GX’s optional 50 series tires.

The AMG G 63 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the GX.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G-Class’ wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the GX (113.8 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The G 580 handles at .80 G’s, while the GX 550 Overtrail+ pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The G 580 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.9 seconds quicker than the GX 550 Luxury+ (26 seconds @ .74 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GX 550 Premium (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The G 550 is 1 foot, 3.1 inches shorter than the GX, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume than the GX with its rear seat up (37.4 vs. 10.3 cubic feet).

The G-Class 580 can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the G-Class can be unhitched and driven around locally. The GX can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the GX, the G-Class has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The G-Class’ standard easy entry and exit feature raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the GX.

The GX’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The G-Class’ standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

The G-Class has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the GX.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes G-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the GX.

The G-Class’ Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The GX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.