Recognition – when it comes – should feel inevitable. The Lexus GX was never designed to chase attention. Instead, it is shaped by a deliberate philosophy of craftsmanship, refinement and authentic capability – a philosophy now affirmed through the GX’s inclusion among the finalists for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) awards, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.
The 2026 SA COTY finalists represent a diverse cross-section of the local automotive market, ranging from accessible compact hatchbacks to family-focused lifestyle vehicles and high-performance SUVs. Together, they reflect the breadth of choice available to South African consumers across multiple price points. Within this context, the Lexus GX stands apart as a premium SUV defined not by excess, but by balance – delivering genuine off-road capability, refined luxury and everyday usability in equal measure.
Designed for those who seek to explore extraordinary places, the GX sets a new benchmark in the premium SUV segment. Whether navigating city streets or venturing far beyond them, it is engineered to inspire confidence and elevate every journey. With superior capability, considered design and Lexus’ Experience Amazing philosophy, the GX invites drivers to explore wherever the road may lead.
Having experienced the Lexus GX across varied conditions, here is what some of the local automotive voices had to say about the vehicle:
CAR Magazine: The system’s coupling and de-coupling is almost imperceptible, and in cahoots with the supple suspension setup it allows the GX to leopard-crawl over bits of land that would normally set most SUVs uncomfortably pitching and yawing.
TopGear South Africa: It’s smooth on gravel, absorbing most shocks and vibrations with ease, and the ride quality on the open road is up to par for a Lexus, while the engine is glorious both in terms of sound and power.
KOW: Whether you’re after the rugged appeal of the Overtrail or the polished elegance of the SE, the GX offers a compelling blend of power, technology and comfort.
Juliet McGuire: This comes very well-specced… something that I really do very much appreciate about Lexus. There’s no need for optional extras because it’s got everything.
Business Day: The big SUV is a brute in a silken glove that blends eager performance with refinement and real off-road ability.
Cars.co.za: As for comfort levels, Lexus always delivers high levels of build quality and premium feel. Plus, there are no options: the sticker price gets you everything available.
DRIVE (eNCA): When I look at the new Lexus GX, I see premium – the styling and the finishing. You can see the effort that went into the design and production of this vehicle.
The Citizen: The ride is every bit as refined as you’d come to expect in a Lexus, with the 10-speed box exceptionally smooth… The introduction of the Lexus GX is a masterstroke and it’s easy to see why it instantly became the best-selling local Lexus in ages.
Driven Magazine: Whether you’re gliding along the highway, dodging potholes on regional backroads, or climbing icy mountain passes, it feels composed and capable. At the end of the day, it got us to the Malutis and back in style and comfort.
TimesLive: The engine is creamy smooth, with a strong acoustic note to match. Its 10-speed automatic does an excellent job of spreading the grunt in buttery fashion.
MrHowMuch: The Lexus produces a very healthy 260kW of power and 650Nm of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Everything about it says: ‘Take me on a road trip to the Kruger National Park.’
IOL: We drove almost 500km over two days, with the route taking us over highways, backroads, gravel paths and off-road trails. At no point did we feel the Lexus GX was unsuited to any particular terrain. It’s a true all-rounder.
- The 2026 SA COTY winners will be announced at a gala event in Johannesburg during the first week of May. Until then, the Lexus GX’s place among the finalists stands as a clear endorsement of a vehicle conceived with clarity, engineered with restraint, and validated through experience.
