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Lexus GX vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Lexus GX vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus GX

2026 Lexus GX

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WD
VS3 – 1Lexus GX wins 3 of 4 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $4,300 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Lexus GX is the bigger car, about 8 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Lexus GX has had fewer recall campaigns (15 vs 43).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus GX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.4L 6-cyl turbo engine and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,666 lb.

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2021 GX and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2024 GX and the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Premium Gasoline
Fuel
EV
3.4L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
4-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

17 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
15 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$4,850
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

349 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
–
Seats (most)
5
196.9 in
Length
188.6 in
78 in
Width
78 in
75.6 in
Height
63.8 in
5,666 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
8
15
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
2
Owner complaints (latest year)
424

Interest

14,090
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2021
Best used year
2024
2024
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus GX if…

  • You want more room (8 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (15 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (8 in shorter)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus GX

  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 15% below the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Lexus GX specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →