Lexus GX 2023:Review

The Lexus GX 460, smaller than the LX and is Lexus’ second-largest SUV, can seat six or seven passengers, depending on whether captain’s chairs are added to the second row. The third row folds down in a 50-50 offset for more versatility. It floats like an inflatable waterbed on wheels and is boxy and huge. It’s also one of the most excellent cars you can use from the dealer’s lot on an off-roading adventure. The GX excels in this area, and for owners of this car, this is the fastest route to contentment.

Except for a few aesthetic changes, the model year 2023 is more or less the same as 2022. A 360-degree camera has been added to the 3,000-unit Black Line Special Edition, and a stunning Mark Levinson audio system will be available in the Luxury trim starting in 2023, taking both versions to the next level.

While the lowest trim comes with a respectable driver-assist suite and a dynamic suspension system, most buyers will be pleased with the top two models. The GX is offered in three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. The GX is now in its second generation (which began in 2010), and because of its extended tenure, it is considered antiquated by modern standards. The GX hasn’t seen any updates in a while, and its devoted followers don’t seem to mind much, much like the Toyota 4Runner, which appeals to a similar audience.

The luxurious Lincoln Aviator, the cutting-edge luxury upstart Genesis GV80, and the classy off-road-capable Land Rover Discovery are the GX’s rivals in the sector of luxury three-row SUVs. The GX falls behind in this group regarding efficiency, technical advancements, and driving manners. However, the Lexus still exudes an air of sophistication and has a gorgeous look that has seen it through all these years and makes it seem comfortable and familiar, like a warm blanket.

The GX makes an impact with four-wheel drive, a strong V8 engine under the hood, and a suspension designed to withstand some abuse. It has a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and can withstand the test of time and hundreds of thousands of kilometers without breaking a sweat. Rivals like the GV80 and Aviator feature more powerful, though pavement-only engines that provide more horsepower and torque.

The Luxury trim with the Off-Road option costs $67,080 if your heart is set on a GX (the basic model begins at $56,425 plus a $1,150 destination charge). As a result, the GX can perform as an SUV that can tear up the dirt while allowing its occupants to enjoy a comfortable cabin.

However, a baker’s dozen or more options are available if you don’t see yourself stepping off the pavement very often or at all. For instance, the GV80 is more comfortable inside and has an outstanding design with contemporary luxuries.

About safety features, Lexus is generous, offering a suite that includes lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic warnings, and more. With limited coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty lasting six or 70,000 miles, its guarantee holds up against its rivals. Additionally, the GX includes a free year of servicing. You won’t mind popping in when required since Lexus usually does a great job designing warm showrooms.

What’s New?

• Luxury trim now comes standard with an upscale Mark Levinson audio system, and the Black Line Special Edition now has a 360-degree camera.
• Starfire Pearl is replaced with Eminent White Pearl, while Claret Mica is no longer available.
• mostly a continuation of the 2010-starting generation

Performance: Lexus GX

Every GX has a powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque and four-wheel drive (better to detour off the main roads, my love). A six-speed automatic gearbox turns the wheels; an improved suspension is standard. The top-tier Luxury model includes a self-leveling adaptive suspension and 19-inch wheels that more effectively absorb road imperfections.

Families seeking a vehicle to tow mid-size campers and boats must be content with a tow rating of no more than 6,500 pounds. A dealer must install the wiring configuration and tow hitch, which are not factory-installed.

Whatever your opinion of this SUV’s efficiency, it makes up for its lack of modernity with sheer power and capacity. The GX, which comes with 8.1 inches of factory-installed ground clearance, may use a raise kit if inclined. The GX may have less ground clearance than the Discovery, which has 11.1 inches of support, but it’s pretty excellent.

Fuel efficiency: Lexus GX

Oh, my goodness. Compared to other SUVs in its category, the GX achieves an estimated EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway (16 mpg combined). The Lincoln Aviator earns 24 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, compared to Disco’s 19 city, 22 highway, and 21 combined mpg estimates. Even the more significant Lexus LX 600 achieves more fuel economy with a smaller six-cylinder engine and greater power.

Notably, premium gasoline is required for the GX and Discovery, whereas 91 octane is only mildly advised for the GV80 and Aviator.

Safety & Driver Support

As part of the standard Lexus Safety System+, all GX models are equipped with forward collision avoidance, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic warning, parking sensors, and automatic high-beam lighting. Choose the Premium trim to get a built-in 360-degree camera system that lets you see the car from above, or go all out with the Luxury model to get a surround-view camera arrangement.

The Lexus GX 460 has not been assessed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, it lowers the GX’s overall safety ratings in our assessment.

Comfort & Room: Lexus GX

The GX’s right-angle construction gives passengers ample space. This widebody seems incredibly roomy compared to the GV70 and Discovery, which are smaller vehicles. Although the improved leather seats in the Luxury level are notably softer, the simulated leather upholstery is smooth and supple. Front-row seats are standard, with power adjustments, heated seats, and ventilation. Even the second row has heated seats.

The GX is shorter than the Discovery, GV80, and Aviator at 192.1 inches. However, the Lexus SUV is higher than the Genesis and Lincoln by at least 5 inches and offers better headroom in the second row (40.4 inches compared to 39). The Aviator has the most considerable front legroom in this competitive group, measuring 43 inches, while the GX is still roomier than the Discovery (39.1 inches). The GX is shorter in the second row at 34.1 inches. While the Aviator provides 40.1, the Discovery gives 37.4.

With just 29.3 inches of legroom (tinier than the Discovery’s 33.5 in the rear), the third row is best reserved for small children, as with most three-row SUVs. However, those additional seats are helpful in various circumstances and can fit adults for brief journeys.

Infotainment: Lexus GX

A 10.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard equipment in the GX. This model still has the dreaded Lexus touchpad. We have optimism that the wacky controller will be permanently eliminated in the next GX model since it has been removed from other Lexus cars. Customers in other markets, including the local Japanese market, adore the touchpad, but it’s a source of contention in the United States.

The typical sound system has nine speakers. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, offered on the Premium trim and standard on the Luxury option, will satisfy audiophiles’ sweet-sounding cravings.

Storage & Cargo Space:

The GX has a total cargo capacity of 64.7 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded, with 11.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row and 46.7 cubic feet behind the second. When the second row is folded, Genesis’ elegant GV80 expands wonderfully to 84 cubic feet from its initial starting point of 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row.

Inside the GX, Lexus did a fantastic job with the tiny storage. The door pockets can store more than a single-use plastic water bottle, and the glove box is spacious. We like that Lexus included a functional divider in the second row and made the door pockets tall enough for soft beverages and bottles.

Instead of a conventional fold-out tailgate, the GX has a swing-out tailgate. As a carryover from its right-hand drive sibling, the Prado, it opens from the passenger side. This makes sense if the driver is the only one in the vehicle. However, the open tailgate inhibits entry if the GX is parked parallel to the curb, mainly if parking is limited. On the upper part, there is a glass hatch that opens separately.

Design: Lexus GX

The GX conforms with Lexus’ tradition of using premium components and efficient design. The fit and finish of the SUV are perfect, and it is curved in all the right areas. The GX’s front face is dominated by its distinctive spindle grille, which draws attention to its broad stance and flanks. Doors, particularly the rear gate that opens from the side, thud open and shut.

Although not highly inventive, the cottage is cozy. Semi-aniline leather, wood, and leather trimmings are standard materials. The second row’s spacious door pockets, accommodating items other than a single-use plastic bottle, get our approval. That is helpful while driving around a group of teenagers who are each holding a water bottle and a cappuccino.

The GX is equally as attractive on the exterior as any of its competitors in the competitive set. However, there is an opportunity for development inside.

Is the 2023 Lexus GX Worth it?

The Lexus GX 460 is a substantial mid-size SUV that seems and projects a more commanding presence than its dimensions may suggest. While it may not be the most cutting-edge SUV on the market, it offers a satisfying package for people searching for a car with an elegant interior and the capability to go on adventures.

Simulated leather, dual-zone temperature control, a sunroof, and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection are all included in the GX’s basic model, which begins at $58,525.00. In the basic model, heated and ventilated seats are an option, while headlamp washers are standard in the Premium trim, which starts at $59,860.

However, we recommend the Luxury trim ($69,180). Adventuresome GX buyers may wish to choose the Off-Road option ($1,570), which equips the car with crawl control, off-road driving modes, fuel tank protection, a transmission oil cooler, and a video system that may be useful in removing it from a tight spot. If you purchase a GX, you may as well do it in a configuration that highlights its most vital points. We’re still hoping that the GX will get a significant upgrade soon, and if we had to guess, it would probably be a hybrid.

How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Lexus GX Cost?

The cost of insurance for the 2023 Lexus GX is comparable to most of its competitors. Although this average covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate a yearly premium beginning at $2,385. A Land Rover Discovery owner may spend $2,578 annually, compared to the Lincoln Aviator’s $2,455 base price and the Genesis GV80’s $2,456 starting price.

Lexus GX Generations

Second Generation
2010 to Present

With a new exterior and interior style, a new 4.6-liter V8 engine, and a new six-speed gearbox, the second-generation GX 460 was introduced. Finally, a minor redesign with the distinctive Lexus spindle grille and LED head- and taillamps arrived in 2013. The Black Line Special Edition was unveiled in 2022.

First Generation
2002 to 2009

The Lexus GX 470 debuted in the United States as a 2003 model. It was jointly developed with a Toyota vehicle—in this instance, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado—like its larger LX 570 sibling. For the 2008 model year, a minor update was made that included new wheel designs, a dark metallic grille, interior wood choices, and a few more paint colors to the vehicle that had previously been introduced with a 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic gearbox.

Verdict

The Lexus GX is more than a dozen years into its current generation and is beginning to show its age, much like an old musical group. The GX, a truck-like vehicle with a body-on-frame structure, travels like a hippo after two desserts on concrete. The large SUV has a 4.6-liter V8 engine and lumbers along obediently despite itself. But here’s the thing: Off-road, the GX is a rock star. This SUV can travel places most SUVs cannot right off the assembly line. The GX is still reliable even if an update is needed.