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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.