The 2018 Lexus GX ranked #21 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Lexus GX has a score of 7.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 40 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding off-road capability Good towing capacity
Cons Poor fuel economy Unexceptional cabin comfort and features Small, inconvenient cargo area Weak acceleration
There are only a few minor changes in available features for the 2018 Lexus GX 460.If you're seriously considering the GX 460, you probably want to venture off-road in it. But if that's the case, you'll want the added ground clearance the Luxury trim's adaptive air suspension provides. Without it, the GX 460's ground clearance is worse than some crossovers.
PROS Impressive off-road capability in a segment largely without it High view out Easy-to-use interior controls
CONS Rough ride on broken pavement Poor fuel economy and acceleration Seats are uncomfortable Compromised cargo space and third-row seat
The Lexus GX 460 pairs scads of off-road hardware with lots of luxury trim, but most drivers will be better off with a crossover.
Pros Solid truck feel Strong, smooth V-8 Smothering ride Comfortable cabin Lots of off-road tech
Cons Tailgate opens sideways Light steering Poor fuel economy Brake feel Shallow, narrow cargo area
The 2018 Nissan Armada ranked #6 in Large SUVs. Currently the Nissan Armada has a score of 7.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 19 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Strong V8 engine Good towing capacity Expansive second-row seats Well-built cabin
Cons Outdated infotainment system Below-average cargo space Below-average fuel economy Smaller front seats than rivals
Instead of imitating the boxy and costly stalwarts of this popular segment, the Armada breaks the mold—sort of. After all, it’s still a big-bodied, fuel-thirsty family dreadnought. But the three-row Armada has a serene, expensive interior and an upscale exterior that enable it to undermine high-rent rivals when it comes to price.
Pros Rich, comfortable, and quiet interior; useful power and towing capacity; looks expensive.
Cons Old-school fuel economy, no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, imprecise steering.
Nissan redesigned the Armada last year, so the 2018 model carries over with only minor changes. NissanConnect telematics services, an 8-inch touchscreen display, HD radio, hands-free text messaging, and additional USB charging ports now come standard on all trims. A rearview mirror that can stream a constant video feed from the rear camera is also new this year
PROS High-quality interior is appealing Smooth V8 engine delivers ample power for towing and hauling Rides more comfortably, less trucklike, than some rival SUVs
CONS Third-row seating isn't as spacious as some rivals Infotainment system is dated No getting around the V8's poor fuel economy
