Compare the2025 Lexus GXVS 2025 Mercedes G-Class

Both the GX and the G-Class 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, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the GX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the G-Class. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the G-Class ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The GX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the G-Class’ (6 vs. 5 years).

The G-Class’ redline is at 6800 to 7200 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The GX has a 5800 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus first in overall reliability. Mercedes is ranked 29th.

The GX’s 3.4 turbo V6 produces 66 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 413) than the G 550’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the GX 550 gets better fuel mileage than the AMG G 63 running its gasoline engine (15 city/21 hwy vs. 14 city/16 hwy).

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus GX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the G-Class.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GX offers optional 22-inch wheels. The G-Class’ largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The Lexus GX’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Mercedes G-Class only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

All GXs have standard full size spares so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare is not available on the G-Class 580 Without it you must depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For superior ride and handling, the Lexus GX has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mercedes G-Class has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the GX is 1.3 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the G-Class.

The GX Premium handles at .72 G’s, while the G 550 pulls only .62 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GX Premium executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the G 550 (28.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 29.8 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the GX’s turning circle is 4.9 feet tighter than the AMG G 63’s (39.4 feet vs. 44.3 feet). The GX’s turning circle is 5.2 feet tighter than the G-Class’ (39.4 feet vs. 44.6 feet).

The design of the Lexus GX amounts to more than styling. The GX has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .399 Cd. That is significantly lower than the G-Class (.55). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GX get better fuel mileage.

For excellent aerodynamics, the GX has standard flush composite headlights. The G-Class has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The GX has standard seating for 7 passengers; the G-Class can only carry 5.

The GX’s cargo area provides more volume than the G-Class.

The GX’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The G-Class’ swing out door blocks loading from the driver’s side.

The GX’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The G-Class’ rear cargo window doesn’t open.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the GX has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The G-Class doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

The GX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the G-Class’ (9063 vs. 7000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mercedes G-Class is only 7000 pounds. The GX offers up to a 9096 lbs. towing capacity.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 39% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 17th.

The GX’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The G-Class does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The G-Class doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the G-Class only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The GX’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The G-Class doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the GX has standard extendable sun visors. The G-Class doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GX to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The G-Class doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GX has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The G-Class doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Lexus GX outsold the Mercedes G-Class by over three to one during 2023.