5 Likes:
Ride – Being a Lexus, a great ride is very much expected and the GX does not disappoint. Equipped with air suspension, the GX was particularly nice and a fantastic vehicle for both commuting, and long distance travel.
Durability – In many parts of the world the GX, known as a Land Cruiser Prado, is expected to travel thousands of miles in the roughest terrain with no problems. This quality has been brought to the US in the form of the GX and it shows. Doors are heavy, buttons are plentiful rather than flimsy screens, and the vehicle as a whole just feels solid.
Quality interior – While the GX has a rugged feel, the Interior is still very nice. While based on a design that was released in 2009, it looks quite current and every piece of material feels as nice as it should be for the market. The leather is supple, the plastics are soft to the touch, and everything feels like it belongs in a Lexus.
4WD Prowess – Unfortunately I was not able to take this Lexus offroad, but after my off the beaten path in the LX, I can guarantee the GX will also be fantastic. Air suspension is not a favorite among serious off road enthusiast, but for those looking for a vehicle that can do both, the ability to change height is key.
Seating arrangement – With the ability to hold seven people, it matches the seating capability of the larger LX, something much appreciated by those in the city. The RX-L will also seat 7, but does not have the headroom or off road ability of the GX.
5 Dislikes:
Rear Swing Out Door – One of the most inconvenient things with the Lexus GX of all generations is the large swing out door. Rather than a hatch that swings up, or a tailgate design like that of the wonderful LX and Land Cruiser, the GX door swings out forever limiting your ability to access it via certain directions or even open it in smaller areas as a whole.
Old Technology – While durability and old school feel are one thing, the GX lags so far behind overall. They key is identical to the key from the 2006 Lexus IS, a huge step backward in style from the current design used on every other Lexus. The radio has the same quality of screen and lacks basic features common even in Kias such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luckily there is more than just one camera, but the quality of the screen that dates back over a decade severely limits how usable they are. I would like to see Toyota keep some of the old school feel I liked, but give it some of the new technology necessary to stay relevant in today’s market.
Economy – While the GX is a good bit smaller than the LX, it still gets quite abysmal fuel economy. 15/18 is the stated but I found it to be much lower during testing. The V8 power is very nice for getting around and towing, but it absolutely comes at a cost.
Discombobulated Styling – The GX was last really redesigned for the 2009 model year. Since then the “spindle” grill has taken over the entire Lexus lineup and on the GX… it is not that pretty. The GX feels like two different vehicle put into one and it just does not work.
Value – For the amount of outdated technology and lack of good looks the GX contains, the $70,000+ price tag hurt a little to look out. I have found 2017 and 2018 Lexus LX570s that have better technology,are more comfortable, and look better for around the the same price as a new GX all while not looking nearly the same as a 2009 both inside and out.
