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.
A reshuffling of features marks the 2019 model year for the Q7. All models now come with navigation, while mid-range Premium Plus trims now offer Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster, a 360-degree exterior camera system, LED head- and taillights, and a wireless smartphone charging pad as standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now part of the Convenience package on all Q7 models. The optional 20-inch wheels now come with all-season run-flat tires and two new 21-inch wheel designs are now available.
PROS Back-road athleticism, beautiful and high-tech cabin, three-row versatility.
CONS Pricey with extras, snug third row, subtle styling gets lost in parking lots.
The 2019 Audi Q7 delivers on the factors most important to large luxury SUV buyers: space, comfort, style, safety, and impressive technology.
Pros Excellent build quality Luscious interior appointments Sublime ride Tech superiority Room for seven
Cons Tight third row Limited cargo space behind third row Gets very pricey, very fast Underpowered turbo-4 Best tech reserved for top trim
The 2019 Audi Q7 ranked #4 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Audi Q7 has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 18 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lavish interior Athletic handling Impressive optional V6 engine Comfortable, supportive seats
Cons Limited third-row seating space
