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.
Need a vehicle that can do it all? The 2017 Lexus LX 570 can seat up to eight and has the ability to tow a trailer. You can tackle a backcountry trail with it, too. But read more to learn how some rival SUVs can achieve similar feats without as much compromise.The 2017 Lexus LX 570 carries over unchanged.
Pros A smooth ride over rough roads Advanced off-road capabilities Plenty of standard features.
Cons Impractical third-row seat lacks passenger space and doesn't fold flat V8 engine's poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration Infotainment interface can be distracting to use.
Amazingly refined, the Lexus LX 570 hides its utilitarian roots exceptionally well. Think of the 2017 Lexus LX 570 as a UN Peacekeeper in a tuxedo. Underneath its glitzy, eye-catching exterior and behind its soft leather and glossy wood sits a Toyota Land Cruiser, one of the most capable and over-engineered vehicles to ever hit the road.
Pros Brawny powertrain Softer, warmer cabin materials Real towing capability As spacious inside as the exterior suggests
Cons Clunky third-row seating can't be removed Dismal fuel economy Clumsy handling Pitching-and-heaving ride
The 2017 Lexus LX ranks 6 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Lexus LX is as rugged as it is luxurious, offering exceptional capability when the pavement ends and an opulent cabin. It also has an excellent predicted reliability rating. However, many of its competitors have more cargo space and better fuel economy estimates.
Pros Exceptional off-road ability Top-notch interior Great predicted reliability rating
Cons Poor fuel economy estimates Less cargo room than rivals