2023 Lexus GX

Overview

Not many mid-size luxury crossovers or SUVs offer the off-roading prowess provided by the rugged Lexus GX, which flaunts a bold exterior design spearheaded by a massive grille and flexes a well-appointed cabin space. It makes do with an aging body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota 4Runner, a naturally aspirated V-8, a conventional 6-speed automatic, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking center differential. While the components may seem simple and dated, they give the GX the chops it needs to venture beyond paved roads, and farther from the asphalt jungle than most of its SUV rivals. There’s a comprehensive Off-Road package that makes it all the more capable. If you’re in the market for a nicely appointed SUV, and off-road capability is a priority, then this Lexus can suit your needs. If you’ll be spending all your miles on paved roads, though, you may want to look elsewhere; this segment has more than two-dozen alternatives and most of them are, overall, more appealing.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Genesis GV80

STARTING AT: $56,925

2

Porsche Cayenne

STARTING AT: $73,650

3

BMW X5

STARTING AT: $66,195

4

Volvo XC90

STARTING AT: $57,095

5

BMW X6

STARTING AT: $74,895

19

Lexus GX

STARTING AT: $57,575

What's New for 2023?

Updates to the Lexus GX 460 SUV for the 2023 model year are minor. A new Eminent White Pearl exterior color has been added to the pallet, and the Mark Levinson sound system is now standard on Luxury models. Additionally, the Black Line Special Edition model returns for a second year with a few revisions of its own, including a newly standard 360-degree camera. The Black Line—which builds on the Premium trim level—will be limited to 3000 copies and only offered in three finishes: Obsidian, the new Eminent White, or Nori Green Pearl, which is exclusive to the Black Line.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The base-model Lexus GX460 comes with enough standard features to please most buyers in this segment. This SUV rolls on standard 18-inch wheels and is equipped with exterior amenities such as automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, illuminated running boards, and heated power-adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Ten-way power-adjustable front seats and a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column are on hand to help you find an ideal position behind the wheel. The cabin is also home to standard features such as keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, faux-leather upholstery, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. All GX SUVs come with driver-assistance amenities such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance. If you’re heading off-road—and travelling beyond dirt or gavel roads—you should consider the comprehensive Off-Road Package, which includes a transmission cooler, a fuel tank protector, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select; a Multi-Terrain Monitor is also available.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 Lexus GX continues to offer just one engine: a 4.6-liter V-8 that generates 301 horsepower. It’s not shared with the 4Runner, which is powered by a V-6. The Lexus V-8 is teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Lexus's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is standard, and this setup aims to boost traction during off-road adventures. During our testing, the GX cruised from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. We've tested rival models that are much quicker: an Audi Q7 with the available V-6 made the sprint in 6.1 seconds, and a BMW X5 xDrive50i covered the same distance in a scant 4.2 seconds. The GX exhibits relatively smooth handling on paved streets, but it is in its element when taken off-road. Its sturdy underpinnings and 8.1 inches of ground clearance make it an excellent choice for buyers who need a vehicle that's at home in the great outdoors. A 6500-pound towing capacity bolsters its versatility.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The GX won't win any awards for fuel economy. According to the EPA, this all-wheel-drive SUV achieves mileage of just 15/19 mpg city/highway. That puts it well behind rival luxury SUVs such as the Lincoln Aviator, which gets 17/24 mpg when equipped with all-wheel drive. During our time with the GX, we observed mileage of just 20 mpg during our 200-mile highway fuel economy test—which is part of our comprehensive test regimen. For more information about the GX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Lexus gave the GX its last full redesign all the way back in 2010, and this is perhaps one reason for the dated appearance of its cabin. The interior is home to wood and leather that looks appropriately deluxe, but there are also some hard plastics that seem out of place in a vehicle in this price range. Front-row passengers enjoy pleasant accommodations and a lofty seating position, but the second-row seats are surprisingly flat and hard, and the third row is a cramped space best left for kids. To its credit, the GX does a great job of keeping road noise out of the cabin, and the interior remains tranquil even when the vehicle is being driven at high speeds. This Lexus provides 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 46.7 cubic feet behind the second. With the second and third rows folded, cargo space jumps to 64.7 cubic feet. This is less room than you'll get in rival models such as the Audi Q7 (14.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 35.7 cubic feet behind the second, and 69.6 cubic feet behind the first).

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The GX offers an appealing range of tech amenities. Base models come with a nine-speaker audio setup and an infotainment system governed by a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard Bluetooth connectivity facilitates hands-free phone calls, and all models come with SiriusXM satellite radio. The selection of available tech features includes a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and integrated navigation. The options list also includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, which is standard on Luxury models.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The GX comes equipped with driver-assistance features that can help you avoid accidents such as automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. For more information about the GX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

When it comes to warranty coverage, Lexus outpaces rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 years or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs