2021 Lexus GX: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

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2021 Lexus GX Review: Old-School Charm

by Aiden Eksteen

Though it may form part of only the second GX generation, the 2021 Lexus GX is now more than a decade old in the USA and its dotage is clearly beginning to show. Beneath its chunky hood is an old-school V8 that, while pleasantly smooth and torquey, only produces 301 horsepower. This is not only scant for a V8 but also a lot less impressive than what the newer turbocharged four-cylinder engines can churn out. This rudimentary powertrain, combined with the GX SUVs' hefty and bygone body-on-frame construction, results in listless acceleration and horrendous fuel economy returns. Nevertheless, the GX carries many redeeming qualities. It's a fairly cozy cruiser and skilled off-roader that's sustained a solid reputation for dependability and safety since its inception. If you prefer a V8-equipped, body-on-frame vehicle for its commanding presence and apt off-roading potential, there are many options within the mid-size SUV classification. Some top rivals include the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and the Land Rover Discovery.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 6 /10
Performance 6 /10
Fuel Economy 5 /10
Interior & Cargo 8 /10
Infotainment & Features 5 /10
Reliability 10 /10
Safety 9 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

7.1

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2021 Lexus GX Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 GX?

Although fundamentally unchanged this year, Lexus has made a couple of updates to the 2021 GX in an attempt to keep the SUV fresh. A new Premium Plus package can be ordered and contains features like a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a powered third row of seats. For both the Premium and Premium Plus packages, silver 18-inch wheels and a heated steering wheel with wood trim become available. Finally, acoustic front-side glass and Amazon Alexa capability find their way onto every model.

Pros and Cons

Impressive off-roading potential
Fairly utilitarian towing capacity
A-grade build quality and materials
Ergonomic and intuitive cabin design
Stellar safety rating and reliability

Slow and uninspiring acceleration
Painfully poor fuel economy returns
Outmoded in-cabin technology
Second- and third-row seats are cramped
Trunk is small for the size of the car

Best Deals on 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Lexus GX 460

$48,000

16,213 miles

Fair Deal

Average price

2021 Lexus GX 460

$47,376

29,582 miles

2021 Lexus GX 460

$53,502

N/A miles

2021 Lexus GX 460

$48,500

13,105 miles

See All GX For Sale

2021 Lexus GX Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
GX 460	4.6L V8 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Four-Wheel Drive	$53,450
GX 460 Premium	4.6L V8 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Four-Wheel Drive	$53,450
GX 460 Luxury	4.6L V8 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Four-Wheel Drive	$64,715

See All 2021 Lexus GX Trims and Specs

2021 GX Exterior

See All 2021 Lexus GX Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 192.1 in
Wheelbase 109.8 in
Height 74.2 in
Max Width 74.2 in
Front Width 62.4 in
Rear Width 62.4 in
Curb Weight 5,130.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Nebula Gray Pearl
Atomic Silver
Black Onyx
Nightfall Mica
Claret Mica
Starfire Pearl

2021 GX Performance

Engine and Transmission

Engine

4.6L V8 Gas
Transmission

6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain

4X4

2021 GX Interior

See All 2021 Lexus GX Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

7-seater

Front Leg Room 41.7 in
Front Head Room 38.0 in
Rear Leg Room 34.1 in
Rear Head Room 40.4 in

2021 GX Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 GX Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
6 Years \ 70,000 Miles
Corrosion:
6 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Maintenance:
1 Years \ 10,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.

Verdict: Is the 2021 Lexus GX A Good SUV?

The 2021 Lexus GX is targeted toward a rather niche market of buyers that value dependability, ruggedness, and an old-school look and feel, while the average luxury SUV buyer will most certainly look elsewhere. The GX continues to sell in surprisingly high volume, even with its minimal updates, because of its loyal fanbase.

For those that have never driven or owned a GX, it's a good car for anyone that's searching for a fairly cushy 5-door cruiser that has admirable off-roading capability. Its V8 engine isn't the most polished, with its listless acceleration responses and heavy fuel consumption, but it's smooth and reliable and accords the GX with the low-down torque that makes it so apt at tackling the unbeaten trail. The GX is also capable of towing a fair amount with this powertrain and 4x4 setup. It doesn't have the most spacious or contemporary cabin, but it does come with a really broad array of creature comforts, conveniences, and driver-assistance features all as standard. This means you get plenty of value from the 2021 Lexus GX SUV at its price, which starts at $53,450. This, along with its proven track record for dependability and safety, set the GX ahead of its core competitors in terms of value. So if you're willing to sacrifice some frugality and cabin room for the benefit of off-roading and towing capability, we'd certainly suggest you review the 2021 Lexus GX for your shortlist.

What Lexus GX Model Should I Buy?

Choosing which GX model to go for will come solely down to how much you're willing to spend and what features you'd want it to come outfitted with. In this regard, we're always inclined to go for the most value-rich option in the lineup., In this case, it's the mid-tier GX 460 Premium model. At $56,540, the Premium is only $3,090 more than the entry-level GX 460 model and it comes with LED fog lights and rain-sensing wipers. These improve your safety during inclement weather, while front and rear parking sensors make the sizeable SUV a lot easier to park. On the inside, comfort and convenience are improved for the driver and passengers thanks to the addition of navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control.