Lexus LX vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

2026 Lexus LX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Lexus LX

2026 Lexus LX

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS0 – 5Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class wins 5 of 5 categories
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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is more fuel-efficient: 21 vs 20 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $200 a year less in fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the bigger car, about 5 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 14).

The two cars

The 2026 Lexus LX is a standard SUV offered with a 3.4L 6-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,864 lb (600 4dr SUV).

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 206 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 123-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,074 lb (Amg 63 4matic 4dr SUV).

Buying used? The 2021 LX and the 2024 GLS-Class have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2022 LX.

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
Fuel
Hybrid
3.4L 6-cyl turbo
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

20 MPG
Best combined MPG
21 MPG
19 city
City / highway MPG (best)
19 city
$4,100
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,900

Performance & space

409 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
7
Seats (most)
–
200.4 in
Length
205.1 in
78.3 in
Width
79.9 in
74.4 in
Height
71.7 in
5,864 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
5,468 lb

Safety & reliability

12
Driver-assist features standard
–
1
Recalls (2026)
0
14
Recalls, all years since 2005
0
1
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

14,529
Wikipedia views, 30 days
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Buying used

Best used year
Year to avoid
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Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Lexus LX if…

  • You want something easier to park (5 in shorter)

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if…

  • You want more room (5 in longer)
  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 14 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Lexus LX

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Full 2026 Lexus LX specs →Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →