The 2017 Lexus GX ranks 22 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus GX ranks near the bottom of the luxury midsize SUV class. If you want a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities (and standard four-wheel drive), then the GX is one of the few midsize choices that will meet your criteria. It also comes standard with seating for seven. In most other respects, however, you’re better off looking at most other vehicles in the class.
Pros Excellent off-road abilities Intuitive technology features
Cons Low fuel economy estimates Timid acceleration Unremarkable cabin materials
For an old-school SUV, the Lexus GX acquits itself quite well.Underneath its sharply-styled body and high-end interior, the Lexus GX 460 hides a utilitarian frame and a suspension shared with the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Why's that important? The Prado, which is unrelated to the Land Cruiser sold at Toyota dealers in the United States, is a serious work truck designed for farmers in Australia and peacekeepers in Somalia. That helps explain some of its compromises—but despite its high step-in and quirky tailgate, the Lexus GX 460 does a lot of things very well.
Pros Truck-based solidity Smooth and strong V-8 engine Plush ride quality Comfortable interior Off-road ability
Cons Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Compromised cargo area
Lexus has added the Sport Design package to the 2017 GX 460, which includes some different wheels, a different front grille and additional exterior chrome trim pieces. Second-row captain's chairs are a new feature for the GX 460.
Pros Capable off-road performance requires little effort from the driver Plenty of luxury features and cabin amenities.
Cons Poor acceleration and fuel economy from the V8 engine Uncomfortable standard second-row bench seats Inconvenient side-swinging rear cargo door Relatively ponderous handling around turns.
The 2020 Lexus GX 460 comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.LED headlights are now standard.Lexus' Safety System+ included on every trim level.
Pros Decent off-road capability in a segment largely without it Seating position provides a good view of the road Easy-to-use interior controls
Cons Cargo capacity and rear-seat space are both compromised Uncomfortable seats Poor fuel economy and acceleration Poor ride on broken pavement
The 2020 Lexus GX is a rugged luxury SUV for those few who want serious capability in a plush package.The 2020 Lexus GX 460 is probably the most capable off-roader valet parked in front of a swanky restaurant or an upscale shopping center, at least as long as there are no Range Rovers present.
Pros Rugged personality Safety tech now standard Decent tow rig Cushy ride
Cons Funky tailgate Lousy fuel economy Trucky handling Cramped row three
Lexus has given the GX a host of upgrades for the 2020 model year. Its sheetmetal benefits from a revised spindle grille, and its back door, emblem, and license-garnish finish have been updated. Triple-beam LED headlights are now standard, and Atomic Silver joins the palette of exterior colors. Within its cabin, the GX gets new detailing on its steering wheel and shift knob, along with two new rear-seat USB ports. Additionally, the driver-assistance features in the Lexus Safety System+ suite of amenities are now standard on all models.
Pros Superb off-road skills, long list of standard driver-assistance features, peaceful cabin.
Cons Uncomfortable second-row seats, rivals models offer more cargo space, poor fuel economy.
