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2019 Lexus GX

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Make
Lexus
Model
GX
Year
2019
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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2019 GX 460 Base 4dr 4x4
most popular
Price:   -  From $52,505
2019 GX 460 Luxury 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $63,905

Overview

Sharing a frame with the heavy-duty and off-roading friendly Toyota 4Runner, the 2019 Lexus GX 460 brings the Japanese automaker's traditional sense of refinement and luxury to an extremely capable SUV. With three rows of seating as standard, the GX 460 is a luxurious people-carrier that'll not only last the test of time thanks to Lexus' impeccable build quality, but also looks good doing so.

What's New for 2019

The Lexus GX 460 enters the 2019 model year with no major changes over last year’s model.

Lexus GX

Choosing Your Lexus GX

Underneath the GX 460's boxy body sits an old-school body-on-frame construction that gives the SUV its superb off-roading capability. Not to mention, the GX 460 has a smooth V8 engine that gives the SUV its regal qualities on the road. Every GX 460 trim is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, while a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer gear is also standard.

Fuel economy for the GX 460 is rated at 15 miles per gallon city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 combined. When properly equipped, the GX 460 is capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds.

While the GX 460 is a luxury-first machine, the SUV, when properly equipped, can go off-roading with some of the best machines on the market. Besides having full-time four-wheel drive, the GX 460 can also be fitted with Crawl Control, which manages the SUV's throttle and brakes to maintain a certain speed over rough terrain. Downhill Assist Control is another optional feature that helps the GX 460 with its off-roading capability and helps maintain a certain speed when traveling down a steep hill.

Lastly, the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System helps improve on- and off-road capability. When driving on the road, the system, which automatically fixes the front and rear stabilizer bars in place, minimizes body roll in corners. When off-roading, the system aids in allowing each wheel to move independently.

The GX is available in three trims:

Lexus GX

460 Base

The entry-level GX 460 starts at $53,180 (all prices include the $1,025 destination charge). The base model comes with nearly everything you could ever realistically want as standard like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a power moonroof, running boards, roof rails, LED daytime running lights, and SmartAccess keyless entry. On the inside, the SUV comes with a nine-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, fold-flat third-row seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a high-resolution multimedia display.

There's only one major option package for the base GX 460: the Navigation Package, which costs $1,555. Standalone options include headlight washers ($100), intuitive parking assist ($500), heated and ventilated front seats ($640), and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert ($0).

Lexus GX

460 Premium

The GX 460 Premium starts at $55,750 and adds NuLuxe interior trim, navigation, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and intuitive parking assist as standard.

Despite being a separate trim from the regular GX 460, Lexus sells the GX 460 Premium with the Premium Package ($2,570) as standard. The Premium Package with ECRU ($3,070) includes Mahogany wood accents and three-zone climate control. The Premium Package with Captain's Chairs ($3,395) adds 18-inch alloy wheels, second-row captain's chairs, a bespoke front fascia, and unique exterior mirrors. Lastly, the Sport Design Package ($5,130) brings 18-inch Gunmetal Metallic wheels, a Sport Design body kit, a chrome exhaust tip, and Scarlet taillights.

Lexus GX

460 Luxury

The range-topping GX 460 Luxury is priced from $64,580 and adds power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, headlight washers, an adaptive variable suspension, an auto-leveling rear air suspension, semi-aniline leather interior, a wood- and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, power-reclining and -folding third-row seats, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard.

There are two major packages for the GX 460 Luxury. The Sport Design Package ($1,950) brings 18-inch alloy wheels, a Sport Design exterior body kit, a chrome exhaust tip, and Scarlet taillights. The Driver Support Package ($2,340) comes with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, a surround-view monitor, a driver attention monitor, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, intelligent high beams, and Crawl Control. The Mark Levinson audio system is sold on its own for $1,145.

CarsDirect Tip

If you want all of the latest driver-assist features, the 2019 Lexus GX 460 Luxury, despite its large price tag, is the only way to go. If you're willing to sacrifice some safety features, the GX 460 Premium brings some upscale luxury features as standard. Having to choose between three packages is unfortunate, but the cheapest option, the Premium Package with ECRU, is the one we'd go with.

Get your price on a Lexus GX »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Many moons ago, when the world was young, SUVs barreled across the landscape as the proudly uncouth beasts that they were. Fuel economy and handling were as nonexistent as any semblance of on-road comfort. Truck frames and truck powertrains sat underneath truck-derived sheetmetal. The only leather to be found on these rigs was on the boots of the grizzled cowboy behind the wheel.

The menagerie that is the current automotive marketplace has made those days obsolete...mostly. Though most modern SUVs have gravitated toward lavish appointments and docile road manners, there's still a few holdouts who seem to subscribe to yesterday's rough-and-tumble philosophy. One of those is the 2019 Lexus GX. Though it wears styling that seems to be in line with the rest of the Lexus lineup, underneath it's all uncompromised off-roader, which regrettably shows through in its truckish ride, sloppy handling, and penchant for fuel. Admirable capability saddled with unfortunate flaws – such is the song sung by the 2019 Lexus GX.

Best Value

The GX is offered in three trim levels: GX 460, GX 460 Premium, and GX 460 Luxury. Base models come decently appointed, but we'd probably spend the extra dough for a mid-range Premium. Though it costs an extra $5,000 over a base model, buyers get real wood trim, navigation, tri-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, parking assist, and automatic wipers.

Above that there's the Luxury trim, but with a price tag that's six-grand heavier than the Premium, we'd stay away. It's not worth it, even if it does come with leather, an active suspension, and power-folding third-row seats. The only option we'd get on our Premium is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which, pleasantly enough, is a no-cost option without any strings attached. Here's what our GX would look like as it rolls off the delivery truck:

  • Model: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
  • Engine: 4.6-liter V8
  • Output: 301 hp / 329 lb-ft
  • Transmission:Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Four-wheel drive
  • MPG: 15 City / 18 Hwy
  • Options: Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert ($0)
  • Base Price:$58,320 (including the $1,025 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$58,320

Performance

Lexus GX

Performance is hardly the right word to describe the GX, unless you're expounding about its ability to traverse all kinds of terrain. But though there's no denying its off-road prowess, its persnickety persona on the asphalt means it plays second fiddle in a segment chock-full with competent competitors.

The GX's lack of on-road talent stems from that old-school construction which makes it such a force on the trails. With a high center of gravity, weightless steering, and obsolete solid axle rear suspension, any semblance of handling disappears. The steering is a particular source of consternation, as there's an utter lack of feedback.

To mitigate the on-stilts sensation that occurs during cornering, Lexus bestowed the GX with a trick hydraulic suspension. It works by exerting force on individual wheels in an effort to quell body roll on curvy roads. It seems to work well enough, and doesn't upset the ride quality or impede the SUV's off-road chops.

Powering this rig is a 4.6-liter V8 making 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It's a smooth and effective motor, one that works well with the big and heavy GX. It pairs to a six-speed automatic transmission that's pleasantly unobtrusive in its operation. Towing capacity sits at 6,500 pounds.

Gas mileage is the biggest shortcoming with this powertrain. In short, it's not good – an EPA-estimated 15 miles per gallon city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 combined. It also demands premium fuel, further adding to the pain that will be felt at every fill up. To put these numbers in perspective, a Chevy Tahoe – also a full-frame, V8 SUV, though not as capable off-road – returns 15/22/18 mpg (city/highway/combined) on regular gas, while the similarly-priced and equally-capable Land Rover Discovery delivers an impressive 21/25/22 mpg.

Style

If the flagship Lexus LC coupe is a swimsuit model at an Amish convention, then the GX is an Amish spinster at a swimsuit competition. Though the SUV proportions are clearly defined, the detailing is a mess of shapes, bulges, and general incongruity. Not helping matters is the Lexus spindle grille that was haphazardly grafted on a few years back. It might keep the GX in line with the rest of the stable, but it's a mediocre nose job at best, and only adds to the sense of aesthetic disarray plaguing the homely SUV.

Having debuted in 2010, the current-generation GX is fast approaching its 10-year anniversary on the market. In the intervening time, it seems the interior hasn't been able to keep up with the ever-hastening pace of technology. For one, there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, and the GX is also the only Lexus not to have full-speed automatic emergency braking. As for the available Mark Levinson sound system, it's worth noting that though it still boasts the same number of speakers as other Lexus models (17), it only musters a 330-watt output, versus the 800-something wattage ratings found in other models.

Still, it's not all doom and gloom. The base trim leatherette upholstery looks luxurious and durable, and the semi-aniline leather that's standard on the top-tier Luxury model is supple and soft. An eight-inch touchscreen keep things looking modern, though the sea of buttons that the dash is awash in helps remind buyers how long this rig has been around.

If you're sitting up front, there's excellent visibility, and the seats are comfortable for all-day drives, especially the semi-aniline thrones. It's a similar story for second-row passengers, but third-row riders may as well be in steerage. It's tight, uncomfortable, and awkward to get into; in short, best suited for children. The 65 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down is a lot of space, but a number of other SUVs easily surpass that figure.

The Best and Worst Things

The GX is capable and sumptuous; if Merrell made a dress shoe, this would be the automotive equivalent.

Not winning the big SUV any favors, though, is the disappointing gas mileage, lack of contemporary active-safety features, and bizarre styling.

Right For? Wrong For?

Lexus GX

For those who can't afford a Range Rover and are leery of the roulette-wheel reliability of a Grand Cherokee, the big GX is a strong choice for go-anywhere capability with leather-lined trimmings.

However, the lack of elbow room in the second row and the penalty-box dimensions for those stuck in the third row mean that the GX shouldn't be the first choice for those who plan to constantly ferry around passengers. And the mere 65 cubes of total cargo space mean those finding themselves frequently hauling things should also look elsewhere before visiting their local Lexus dealer.

The Bottom Line

It's fun to wax poetic about the old days, but park the 2019 Lexus GX next to any of its competition and the rosy mist that clouds the past suddenly dissipates. All that's left is harsh reality – the GX is simply too hampered by its uncompromising nature to successfully hold its own against other luxury SUVs. Until the GX can overcome its flaws without watering down its backwoods abilities, it'll remain the outdated curiosity it seems to have become.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
4.6L V-8 / 301 HP / 329 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time Four-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
15 / 18 / 16 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7 / 6
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
4.6L V-8 / 301 HP / 329 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time Four-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
15 / 18 / 16 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Aluminum
Fuel Tank
19.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$73
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
64.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
130 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
189.2 "
Exterior Width
74.2 "
Exterior Height
74.2 "
Front Headroom
38.0 "
Rear Headroom
40.4 "
Front Legroom
41.7 "
Rear Legroom
34.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
5,130 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
19.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Body-colored W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7 / 6
Seat Trim
Nuluxe Leatherette / Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Split-bench / Bucket
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
9
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2019 Lexus GX for Sale

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