Compare the2024 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2023 Lexus GX

Both the G-Class and GX have Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, but the G-Class has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The GX’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the G-Class and the GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear 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, 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.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the G-Class’ engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the GX’s camshafts. If the GX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The G 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 115 more horsepower (416 vs. 301) and 121 lbs.-ft. more torque (450 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 276 more horsepower (577 vs. 301) and 298 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 329) than the GX’s 4.6 DOHC V8.

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

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

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 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the GX (26.4 vs. 23 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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

For better stopping power the G-Class’ brake rotors are larger than those on the GX:

The G-Class stops much shorter than the GX:

For better traction, the G-Class has larger standard tires than the GX (275/55R19 vs. 265/60R18). The G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GX (295/40R22 vs. 265/60R18).

The G 550’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GX’s standard 60 series tires. The G-Class’ optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the GX’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the G 550 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the GX. The G-Class’ optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the GX.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the G-Class’ wheelbase is 4 inches longer than on the GX (113.8 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the G-Class is 2.4 inches wider in the front and 2.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the GX.

The AMG G 63 handles at .75 G’s, while the GX pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the GX (9.5 vs. 8.1 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The G-Class has 3.9 inches more front headroom, 2.4 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, 5.4 inches more rear legroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the GX.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GX with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 11.6 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GX with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 64.7 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the GX’s liftover is 34.4 inches.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the GX’s (7000 vs. 6500 pounds).

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’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GX’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The G-Class’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The G-Class’ power mirror controls are mounted on the door for easy access. The GX’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

The G-Class offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in 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. The GX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

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.