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2021 Lexus GX

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Make
Lexus
Model
GX
Year
2021
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Lexus GX OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
2.5 (Fair)

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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Select a Trim
2021 GX 460 Base 4dr 4x4
most popular
Price:   -  From $53,450
2021 GX 460 Luxury 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $64,715

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Lexus GX gains acoustic side window glass and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The newly available Premium Plus Package brings extra equipment to the middle trim level.

The GX is a traditional, truck-based SUV and one of the last such vehicles left in the midsize luxury class. The design dates back to 2010.

Choosing Your Lexus GX

The GX is available in three trims: GX 460, Premium, and Luxury. Pricing starts at $54,125 including destination for the GX 460 and reaches $65,390 for the Luxury.

Engine Choices

The GX runs with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The standard four-wheel-drive system features low-range gearing and a locking center differential for true off-road capability. The Off-Road Package, available on the Luxury only for $1,500, adds crawl control, a terrain selector, a transmission oiler cooler, a skid plate over the gas tank, and surround-view cameras with terrain monitoring.

The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds

The EPA rates the GX at 15 miles per gallon city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 combined.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The GX is a midsize, three-row SUV with seating for seven passengers. The second-row captain's chairs available on the Premium and Luxury reduce capacity to six.

There's 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and 46.7 cubic feet with it folded. With both rows down, available space jumps to 64.7 cubic feet.

Lexus GX

Safety Features

The GX gets a nice bundle of standard safety technology. Every example carries adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, road sign assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Front and rear parking sensors cost $500 on the GX 460 and come standard on the Premium and Luxury.

Active lane keeping assist isn't offered at all, which is usually the case with truck-based vehicles.

Connectivity

The standard infotainment setup features an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto integration, nine audio speakers, two front and two rear USB ports, and HD and satellite radio. A sign of the GX's age, Apple CarPlay and wireless device charging aren't available.

Navigation is optional on the GX 460 ($1,555) and standard on the Premium and Luxury. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system is available on the Premium as part of the $1,695 Premium Plus Package – and on the Luxury as a standalone option priced at $1,145.

Lexus GX

GX 460 - $54,125

The GX 460 starts out with a leatherette interior, 10-way power front seats, driver memory, a sunroof, push button start, wood interior trim, proximity key access, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Outside are LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Heated and ventilated front seats can be added for $640.

Premium - From $57,215

The Premium gets standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, and three-zone climate control. The exterior receives LED fog lights and automatic wipers with de-icers.

The $1,695 Premium Plus Package adds the Mark Levinson system and a power-folding and reclining third row. Buyers can also select the Sport Design Package ($2,720) with more aggressive exterior trim, scarlet taillamps, and 19-inch sport wheels. The package also includes second row captain's chairs, which cost $325 without it. A heated wood-trimmed steering is a $450 standalone option.

Luxury - From $65,390

The Luxury trims add an adaptive suspension system, 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, and power-folding side mirrors. A power third row and wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel are standard as well.

The Sport Design Package remains available, priced at $2,020, and is the only route to the captain's chairs.

Compare GX Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The most compelling attribute of the 2021 Lexus GX Luxury model is its adaptive suspension, which results in sharper on-road handling and a smoother ride. Otherwise, the Premium can offer the same motoring experience for a lot less.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Great off-road ability
  • Decent towing
  • Smooth ride
  • Rugged styling
Cons
  • Tipsy handling
  • Funky tailgate
  • Limited interior tech
  • Guzzles gas
Expert Rating
2.5 (Fair)

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

Not hiding its age, but it really should. Full-size luxury SUVs are slow to change, and buyers understand this. The 2021 Lexus GX is no exception to this trend.

In fact, it’s the poster child for this lack of change, as it’s remained mostly unchanged structurally since 2010. It has been through a few refreshes to keep it up to date, but its age shows in its powertrain and tech features.

Off-road ready, but handling takes a hit. Once you step foot in the GX, all the drivetrain and suspension knobs and settings make it clear this rig is ready to head off the pavement. It’s no rock-crawler, but it has all the ruggedness it needs to tackle ruts, mud, gravel, and more. However, with a $54,275 base MSRP including destination, how much off-roading are you comfortable with?

Also, with a chassis tuned for off-roading, the GX’s handling and on-road comfort take a hit. While it rides smooth, the chassis allows a fair amount of body roll, limiting its handling on pavement. No matter what suspension settings you choose, there’s no way out to avoid this issue.

Buyers who want a better combination of off-road ability and comfort will find this in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. And those who aren’t planning to hit the trails will find a more suitable match in the Volvo XC90.

Powerful engine, but you’ll never pass a gas station again. The Lexus GX boasts a classic SUV powertrain that pairs a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. This is a war zone setup designed to tackle off-roading and towing up to 6,500 pounds, which is all some buyers want.

However, most competitors have moved to more powerful and refined V6 and V8 engines, and some even offer forced induction, diesel, and electrification. For example, the Range Rover Sport’s engine lineup ranges from a 355-hp mild-hybrid inline-six to a 575-hp supercharged V8. Even the GMC Yukon has more refinement with its 355-hp 5.3-liter V8, 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, and torque-heavy 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder.

The other downside to the GX’s snarling V8 is its fuel economy, which sits at an EPA-estimated 16 miles per gallon combined. While there are no legit fuel misers in this class, the Yukon with the turbodiesel engine delivers up to 23 mpg combined. The Range Rover Sport's turbodiesel is even better at 24 mpg combined. Want to skip the diesel? The XC90 T5 with the four-cylinder engine delivers 25 mpg combined.

Lexus GX

Decent cargo room, but it’s frustrating to access. The GX can take on up to 64.7 cubic feet of cargo with all its seats folded, beating the XC90 by 0.6. It does, however, fall short of the Yukon (122.9 cubic feet) by a long shot.

Despite hauling less than the Yukon, the GX hauls a fair amount for its smaller footprint. However, with a rear door that swings outward instead of upward, loading cargo can be frustrating.

Also, while the GX has a third row, its 29.3 inches of leg room render it useless for adults and older children. Buyers who intend to stuff adults in the third row will be better suited with the Yukon and its 34.9 inches of third-row leg room. Even the XC90 and its 31.9 inches of leg room is an improvement.

Final thoughts. Like its big brother, the LX, the 2021 Lexus GX focuses more on ruggedness than being a good family car. Some buyers will appreciate this, but a family looking for a commuter SUV has many other more suitable options.

Those looking for room for adults in all three rows will find this in the GMC Yukon. Those looking for more power and powertrain refinement will get this in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. And those looking for an SUV that’s a little less fuel-hungry can look to the turbodiesel Yukon and Range Rover Sport variants or any version of the Volvo XC90.

Add to this a lack of features buyers expect on luxury SUV, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchscreen, the GX is a questionable purchase for most SUV shoppers.

Check prices for the 2021 Lexus GX »

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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 / 19 / 17 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 / 19 / 17 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
192.1 "
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 / 19.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black 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
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 / 17 Mark Levinson
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
Lexus Safety System+ Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitor (bsm) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Pre-collision System (pcs) Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Automatic High Beam (ahb) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Intuitive Park Assist 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 2021 Lexus GX for Sale

9 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Lexus
Premium
Color: White
Price

$40,488

Mileage

22,968 mi

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Grieco Toyota (46 mi)

Phone: (401) 648-4889
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Color: Black
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$40,699

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Lexus of Warwick (53 mi)

Phone: (401) 824-2249
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Color: White
Price

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Ira Lexus (62 mi)

Phone: (866) 951-6000
Lexus
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Color: Gray
Price

$42,523

Mileage

39,820 mi

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Lexus of Watertown (56 mi)

Phone: (888) 677-9785
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