Lexus is an automaker renowned for balancing understated luxury with capability, even in its biggest vehicles. In 2026, the Japanese brand has seven SUVs on offer, with the Lexus TZ waiting in the wings to expand the lineup later in 2026. From efficient city commuters to heavy-duty off-roaders, there’s something for every type of buyer in the lineup – but which is the best Lexus SUV to buy right now?
To separate marketing polish from everyday practicality, this list ranks every Lexus SUV from worst to best BuzzScore, which takes into account metrics like performance dynamics, interior space and quality, overall value, and efficiency. Read on to see which models claimed top honors, and which fell short.
This list looks at all the Lexus SUV models currently on sale in the USA, ranked by BuzzScore. Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. We rank the best Lexus SUVs from lowest BuzzScore to highest, and future vehicles without rankings are obviously excluded.
7
2026 Lexus RZ
Base Trim Engine
electric
Base Trim Transmission
single-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
221 hp
Segment
Compact Luxury SUV
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Pros & Cons
- Better range from upgraded batteries
- M-Mode adds some fun driving
- Standard NACS charging port
- Rivals offer better performance
- Charging speeds aren’t impressive
The Lexus RZ has the distinction of being the brand’s first electric vehicle, and up until recently, it didn’t really wow us. But when we drove the refreshed 2026 version recently, it showcased the upgrades in a most impressive way. The latest model comes with upgraded battery packs and motors, more power and more range on base models, and a new naming convention for the entry-spec versions, now called RZ 350e. At $46,000 (excluding destination), it’s cheaper than many other offerings in this segment, makes 221 horsepower for the front wheels, and comes well equipped with features and classic Lexus refinement. Higher up in the range, the RZ 450e models get a bump up in power to 308 hp, courtesy of an extra motor on the rear axle for all-wheel drive. Range is 301 miles on the FWD models, dropping to 264 miles for the AWD versions.
With futuristic looks and a lovely interior, the RZ is a good value proposition, but it loses some points for being less practical in terms of interior space, thanks to that sloping roofline.
Expert
insight
Buyers who enjoy the look, feel, and known commodity of Lexus reliability can now purchase an RZ without thinking they should have looked elsewhere first. Is it the best EV on the market? No. But does it feel like a quality Lexus? Absolutely
6
2026 Lexus GX
Base Trim Engine
3.4L V-6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
349 HP @4800 RPM
Base Trim Torque
479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
15/21/17 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Pros & Cons
- Standout looks set it apart from other Lexus SUVs
- Genuine off-road chops
- You don’t have to choose between capability and luxury
- The unique boxy look isn’t everyone’s cup of tea
- Third row is tight and the ride can get bumpy
- Powerful engines make for high fuel bills
The Lexus GX is arguably the least elegant model in the lineup, and that’s likely because it’s a true off-roader with impressive capability and power that doesn’t need to look especially classy in its natural habitat. It’s been around since the early 2000s, but this latest generation gets a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine across the board with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft. Four-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip center differential is standard on all trims, but the specialized Overtrail models get a locking rear differential to further its off-roading chops.
Base models start at $66,785 and top-end versions ask for over $83k before options are factored in. The features list is comprehensive, and with a third row of seating, it’s one of the more practical Lexus SUV models – that being said, that third row is quite tight for adults and encroaches on cargo space. Still, there are many reasons why the GX is a better buy than many of its rivals. If you’re looking for the best Lexus SUV for off-roading, this is it.
5
2026 Lexus UX
Base Trim Engine
2L Inline-4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
150 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
139 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
45/41/43 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Pros & Cons
- Briliantly efficient
- Lots of standard features and a nice interior
- Pricing is reasonable for the segment
- Back seats aren’t very spacious and cargo room is tight
- Lethargic off the line
The smallest and most affordable Lexus you can buy right now is the2026 Lexus UX, a hybrid-only compact SUV that uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two or three electric motors for a combined output of 196 hp. FWD is standard, but AWD is available. The UX isn’t particularly potent, so don’t expect brisk acceleration or spirited driving, but that translates to very low fuel bills. The UX is one of the most frugal in the segment, with EPA ratings of 45/41/43 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles for FWD models. AWD trims are only slightly more thirsty, averaging 44/40/42 mpg. That’s better than rivals from Volvo or BMW.
Other things that count in its favor are an extensive list of standard safety features and a comfortable cabin that feels elegant without asking for an arm and a leg. Pricing starts at $37,455 before destination – but there are rumors that it may be discontinued after 2026. Either way, prospective buyers should act now or look for a gently used version early next year to secure a strong deal on efficient family transport.
4
2026 Lexus RX
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
2-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
183 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
233 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
37/34/36 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Pros & Cons
- Looks great inside and out
- Typical elegant Lexus cain with good fit and finish
- Smooth and pleasant drive
- Powertrain isn’t particularly exciting
The most popular Lexus model right now is this, the Lexus RX, the brand’s midsize luxury SUV that can be had in one of three flavors: gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. In all cases, the RX offers excellent standard features, a beautiful and plush cabin, comfortable ride, and dependability that sees it topping reliability charts. The choice of powertrain allows buyers to choose between sedate, economical, and peppy, with the plug-in hybrid offering the most power in base trim. There is an F Sport model in the hybrid lineup that is Lexus’ take on a performance SUV, and in many ways, it outclasses BMW’s X3.
Base models with the non-hybrid powertrain have 275 hp, while the regular HEV gets 246 hp, or 366 hp in F Sport guise. The PHEV version makes 304 hp, but recent spy shots seem to suggest that an AMG-rivaling true performance model could be in the works. Lexus RX models come in a plethora of trims with so much choice, you can spend anywhere from $53,000 to over $75k.
Related
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A small price difference separates these two Lexus crossovers, but what else sets them apart, and which is the better buy?
3
2026 Lexus TX
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
275 hp
Base Trim Torque
317 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Pros & Cons
- Three-row seating you can actually use
- Upscale interior
- Smooth and quiet ride
- Feels like a slightly upperclass Toyota
- PHEV has been axed
One of Lexus’ larger SUVs, the 2026 Lexus TX used to be available as gas, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid, but the latter has been quietly axed earlier this year, doing away with the most expensive models in the lineup. What’s left for now is either the 275-hp gas models, or the hybrid version that offers 366 hp, which Lexus labels as a ‘Performance Hybrid’. It can do the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.1 seconds, which is impressive for a large Lexus, which are generally focused on plush accommodations and sedate driving.
Excluding F Sport trims, the TX seats seven (F Sport models get captain’s chairs in the middle row for a total of six occupants), and even base models come with heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a full suite of safety systems. Starting at $56,940 and topping out at nearly $70,000, the TX isn’t cheap, but it does tick all of the boxes for what Lexus enthusiasts enjoy.
2
2026 Lexus LX
Base Trim Engine
3.4L V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Four-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
409 HP @5200 RPM
Base Trim Torque
479 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
17/22/19 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Pros & Cons
- The hybrid powertrain is potent
- Amazing capability from Overtrail trim
- Truly plush interior
- It’s not light on fuel
- Body-on-frame chassis makes it trucky to drive
Nearing the top of this listing is the Lexus LX, the brand’s flagship SUV and the biggest, most expensive option in the lineup. Even the entry-level trim costs six figures, starting at $107,000 before options and destination are factored in. For that price, you get seven seats as standard (although there is a supreme luxury version with just four seats), a twin-turbo V6 engine with 409 hp and 479 lb-ft, or a hybrid version with 457 combined hp and 583 lb-ft.
It’s filled to the brim with luxury accouterments including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, open-pore wood trim, panoramic view monitor, head-up display, premium sound (25-speaker Mark Levinson systems on upper trims), and even a cool box for keeping refreshments cold. There’s an Overtrail trim that makes luxury off-roading possible, or a truly opulent trim that costs around $150,000. There’s a reason the LX is the halo Lexus SUV right now.
“If we wanted a luxury car to last a lifetime, it would be a [Lexus LX].”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
1
2026 Lexus NX
Base Trim Engine
2.5L I4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
2-speed CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
189 HP @6000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
179 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Pros & Cons
- Well-appointed and comfy cabin
- Loads of standard features for the money
- Pleasantt daily drive
- Reasonably fuel efficient
- F Sport isn’t actuall sporty
Topping this list as the best Lexus SUV by our scoring system is the Lexus NX, a compact SUV buyers can have with one of the three powertrain options Lexus offers: gas, regular hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. Gas models have 275 hp, hybrids offer 240 hp combined, and the PHEVs make 304 hp. Strangely, the cheapest model in the lineup is the base hybrid, going for $45,175, while the priciest trims are over $64k.
What makes the NX the best Lexus SUV on offer today? It’s a value-for-money proposition that delivers good fuel economy, a comfortable, well-appointed cabin, a reliability record that puts other vehicles to shame, and a comprehensive standard safety suite, all at a reasonable price.
Sources: Lexus, JD Power, NHTSA, EPA
