2019 Lexus GX Review
All-road versatility and premium luxury are what the 2019 Lexus GX has been designed for. With a body-on-frame chassis and the underpinnings required for serious off-roading, the GX can also accommodate the entire family in a comfortable cabin, equipped with everything needed for an all-terrain excursion. As an ambitious merger between off-roader and plush family carrier, the GX has had to make some significant compromises, mostly to ride comfort and fuel economy, leaving the question of whether it will stand as a worthy competitor to rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery, Acura MDX and its cousin, the Lexus LX. The GX may boast some notable off-road capabilities, but its rough ride and subpar luxuries result in somewhat of an identity crisis: it doesn't fare exceptionally well as a luxury utility vehicle, with a more single-minded purpose than rivals, who seem to offer a better balance. Its stout 4.6-liter V8 engine allows for this all-wheel-drive midsize crossover SUV to produce 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed automatic transmission.
What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus GX?
The base Lexus GX 460 is the most affordable option with an MSRP of $52,505. Pricing increases only slightly to $55,075 for the GX Premium trim which includes a handful of comfort and convenience features, as well as an extra driver-assist function. The GX Luxury costs $63,905, which seems to be a substantial increase, but the Luxury trim not only adds comfort and convenience features, it also receives enhancements to the underpinnings of the vehicle. It also allows for access to further add-ons that the two lower trims don't qualify for.
Best Deals on 2019 Lexus GX
Handling and Driving Impressions
The GX is generally composed and offers a soft ride, without feeling overly floaty. However, due to certain elements of the suspension being too taut by default - alluding to the GX's off-road capabilities - mild asphalt abrasions and bumps can be somewhat jostling. Having a shorter wheelbase than most in this class, the GX can feel rigid over larger ground undulations and during off-road treks. Fortunately, it has good ground clearance to make adventuring a little easier. The GX has a surprisingly small turning circle with an appropriate amount of power assist, allowing the GX to manage tight U-turns with ease. Though stable, the steering does tend to feel unresponsive and lacks communication from the road - this can be problematic at higher speeds, for such a large vehicle. During everyday use, the brakes feel consistently reliable and adequately responsive, though the pedal travel is a tad lengthy.
The GX's adaptive variable suspension system activates the AVS monitor. This subsequently adjusts the electronically controlled shock-absorber settings of each wheel, depending on the road surface, vehicle speed, and driving style. Traction is optimized in all conditions thanks to the torque-sensing limited-slip center differential with electronic differential lock. Cornering on mountain roads is met with confidence and a sense of stability, with minimal body roll and sway. Off-road, the system automatically switches off to provide excellent articulation, resulting in a surprisingly agile SUV. Overall, the GX tackles off-road terrain better than it does urban streets, where it feels stiffer and out of its element in terms of handling. As an all-terrain luxury vehicle, the GX leans more toward the former, allowing rivals to stand out in terms of luxury and comfort in general.
Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus GX A Good SUV?
The Lexus GX is an average vehicle for the midsize crossover SUV class. Although it offers a decent combination of luxury-comfort and ruggedness, it isn't nearly the best vehicle available on the market. The GX feels well-built overall and offers all the off-road capabilities you'd want from an SUV; additionally, it has a better tow capacity than many rivals do, but it has a rough and unrefined ride quality that makes it uncomfortable for everyday use. Added to this is the worrying fuel consumption rates. Main rivals in the segment offer better, more modern and much more opulent interiors, together with superior technologies and better fuel economy. On the plus side, there are many safety and advanced driver-assist features standard on the GX range, even from the base trim, sadly this does not distinguish the GX as excellent or noteworthy in the segment. What the GX does offer, however, is an affordable entry point into the family-sized SUV segment, which young families could find attractive.
What Lexus GX Model Should I Buy?
Being that affordability is one of the highlights of the GX selection, opting for the base level trim is recommended. It is decently equipped for safety and convenience, and available with a reasonable selection of options as a value-for-money, entry-level SUV. However, buyers looking for more safety and advanced driver-assist features, further mechanical enhancements for better off-road capability, or more exclusive in-cabin items, will have to shell out the additional costs for the fully-loaded Luxury trim.
2019 Lexus GX Comparisons
2019 Lexus GX vs Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery is a legendary name in this segment; offering a prominent and efficient powertrain, as well as a good balance between luxury and off-road capability, the Discovery starts off the comparison at an advantage. The GX 460 may also offer exceptional off-roading prowess, but it has been set back by dated technology and less contemporary styling. Additionally, it presents a subpar ride quality, while the Discovery makes far fewer compromises in striving to balance its off-road and family-hauler label. In comparison with the GX 460, the Discovery offers a higher quality, more modern infotainment setup comprising of a ten-inch touchscreen, navigation system and a ten-speaker sound system, along with superior comfort features such as a hands-free tailgate and leather upholstery as standard. It is also equipped with more safety and driver-assist features overall and delivers a better ride. We'd choose the Discovery over the Lexus without hesitation.
2019 Lexus GX vs Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is slightly more affordable than the Lexus GX and delivers superior fuel economy estimates due to its less powerful engine and lighter body. What makes the MDX impressive and establishes it as a worthy competitor is the level of standard vehicle features and far superior infotainment setup. It is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and runs off a dual-screen display and seven-inch touchscreen. The MDX's standard AcuraWatch safety suite features forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane and road departure warning and mitigation, and adaptive cruise control which is on par with what the Lexus has on board as well. The difference in price is a crucial factor in promoting the MDX, although the Lexus GX has the benefit of its reputation and status. In terms of value-for-money, the Acura is the better option.