Lexus GX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy

by Mark Takahashi

Lexus got in on the luxury SUV market early when it launched the full-sized LX in 1996. It was essentially a fancier version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, which was luxurious in its own right and known for its off-road abilities. Then, in 1998, Lexus introduced the compact RX, which is considered the first purpose-built luxury SUV. That left the midsize SUV class unattended, but Lexus filled it with the GX in 2003.

Like the Lexus LX, the GX was also based on an existing Toyota. In this case, it was the 4Runner, which was wildly popular among outdoor enthusiasts but, unlike other corporate clones, the Lexus GX distinguished itself from the 4Runner with its own exterior styling and a much smarter interior. Since then, it has been a strong and reliable alternative to luxury SUVs with all-terrain abilities.

Those abilities came at the expense of comfort and handling, though. The GX doesn't ride as smoothly as more traditional luxury SUVs, nor does it corner with as much confidence. These drawbacks may be too much for buyers who aren’t planning off-road ventures, but for those who are, it's one of the more opulent choices.

In the luxury space, the GX competes against the more expensive Land Rover Discovery (which was also called the LR3 and LR4) and the newer Defender. They have more brand cachet but are also prone to mechanical issues, and didn't hold their value as well as the GX. With this in mind, the Lexus GX remains an excellent choice for adventure-bound buyers who also value luxury.

Lexus GX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lexus GX years are the best?

The latest Lexus GX is easily the best, thanks to technological and engineering advances that made its predecessor look like a dinosaur by comparison. It's still a relatively new car, though, and with starting prices between $60,000 and $80,000, it's out of reach for many buyers. The last few years of the second-generation GX brought plenty of new technology and safety features that kept it fresh in the face of newer rivals, despite its age, and 2020 to 2023 models are much more affordable.

Which Lexus GX years are the worst?

By today's standards, the first-generation GX will seem primitive, but it was excellent for its time. The second generation was an improvement, but had some recurring recall issues, the most prevalent of which were the airbags, which were a problem for almost the entire industry at the time. That said, we'd be OK with those models as long as the issues have been addressed, because Lexus has an excellent overall reputation for reliability, and the GX is relatively trouble-free when compared to rivals.

Is a used Lexus GX a good deal?

Pre-owned GXs hold their value better than other SUVs in their class, which means you'll have to pay a little more for a used example. Considering its reputation for reliability, it's worth it, and when it's your turn to sell, you'll likely make up the difference.

Lexus GX Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Impressive off-road capabilities
  • Luxurious interior
  • Reputation for reliability and durability

Cons:

  • Off-road abilities compromise on-road comfort and handling
  • Limited third-row passenger space
  • Older models had a side-hinged tailgate

Lexus GX Generations


## Third Generation (2024 - present) The second-generation Lexus GX was well past its expiration date by the end of its production run, as 13 years is an eternity without a redesign. At long last, it was completely overhauled for the 2024 model year and most were blown away by the new direction (in a good way).

The new look was a huge departure from previous GXs. The boxy shape and faceted body panels gave it a more substantial appearance, and represented a significant departure from the previous styling. This third-generation GX was several inches longer and wider than its predecessor, creating more passenger and cargo space inside, while the inconvenient side-hinged tailgate was replaced by a more conventional liftgate.

The new Lexus GX also had more trim levels—six in total—with varying degrees of luxury and all-terrain capabilities. Entry-level Premium trim came standard with a power liftgate, third-row seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a 10-speaker sound system, ventilated front seats, navigation, and the typical suite of advanced safety features. Premium+ model added some convenience items, including a wireless phone charger, a panoramic-view monitor, and a semi-automated parking system.

The GX 550 Luxury trim lived up to its name by adding items such as massaging front seats and second-row sunshades, while the Luxury+ took things further with an adaptive suspension, power-deployed running boards, a dimmable sunroof, a refrigerated center console bin, and a digital rearview mirror.

The GX 550 Overtrail trims leave behind some of the luxuries and take a more rugged approach by offering all-terrain tires, a new electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system (abbreviated to e-KDSS), a Torsen locking rear differential, crawl control, downhill assist control, and roof rails, among other items. The Overtrail+ adds a power liftgate, heated second-row seats, massaging front seats, and second-row sunshades.

Depending on trim level, the GX was able to fit up to seven passengers with the second-row bench and dual third-row seats. The available second-row captain's chairs reduced that to six, and the off-road-focused Overtrail trims eliminated the third row for only a five-passenger capacity.

As for the drivetrain, all models adopted the GX 550 name and were powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 with 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque). A 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive were also included. The more powerful engine got the new GX to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which was about a second quicker than the previous generation, but it drove similarly, with an emphasis on comfort over sporty handling, so it can feel soft and top-heavy on a winding road. Curiously, the related Toyota 4Runner got a hybrid powertrain option, but the GX didn’t.

Inside, there was ample space for passengers in the first two rows, but some rivals offered more room for the middle row. The third-row seats were less accommodating due to the limited space and low cushion height, making them suitable for kids only. Interior materials are up to Lexus standards, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and attractive graining. It's right up there with other entry-level luxury brands but comes up a little short against, say, premium German car manufacturers.

For its 2025 follow-up, the GX added an inch of ground clearance to Overtrail models for improved off-roading. All trims also gained driver’s seat memory functions along with all of the power adjustments for mirrors and the steering wheel.

Fuel economy barely improved at all for this GX generation, with an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway. While that's not terrible for a car of this size with some off-road chops, it’s well below what you'd expect from a traditional luxury SUV. The third-generation Lexus GX has not yet been evaluated by either NHTSA or the IIHS and no recalls had been issued as of this writing.

The Land Rover Discovery remained a strong rival to the Lexus GX, and was joined by a new Defender in 2020. The Ford Bronco was revived for the 2021 model year and was an absolute beast over rough terrain, but wasn't considered luxurious by any standards.


## Second Generation (2010 - 2023) The first full GX redesign was implemented for the 2010 model year and, while it was all-new, the styling and proportions were very similar to its predecessor’s. It was also renamed the GX 460 to reflect its slightly smaller engine—a 4.6-liter V8, which generated 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque.

As with many of its contemporaries, the second-generation GX added a lot of safety features. These included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, surround-view cameras, and automatic high beams. The third-row seats were standardised and received a power-folding function. A new off-road mode called crawl control also debuted; it was essentially a low-speed cruise control that allowed the driver to pay more attention to vehicle placement and operated below four mph.

The 2010 Lexus GX 460 was offered in two trim levels: base and Premium. The base model came standard with KDSS, running boards, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Premium added adaptive variable suspension, upgraded xenon headlights, chrome trim elements, heated second-row seats, and a rear air-conditioning unit. Adaptive cruise control, crawl control, frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, and Mark Levinson premium audio were optional.

The second-generation GX received only minor cosmetic changes in the first few years of production. It got a significant makeover in 2014, with an all-new styling direction that incorporated the spindle grille which defined Lexus models of the time. Inside, a new eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery were made standard. It also gained a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert as an option that came standard on the new Luxury trim that replaced the previous Premium trim.

A couple of technology features were added to the mix for 2015. Siri Eyes Free was a precursor to Apple CarPlay, and used an iPhone's voice activation to send and receive text messages, make phone calls, control the music, and find directions. The Lexus Enform app was also upgraded to control and monitor more features. The 2017 model year brought a new Sport Design package that spruced up the exterior with a different grille, wheels, and some chrome trim. Second-row captain's chairs were added to all but the base model, though it was offered as an option.

The Blind-spot monitor was moved to the standard features column in 2019, ahead of another refresh for 2020. The GX emerged with sharper styling all around, including a massive new grille. The Lexus Safety System+ suite of advanced was also standardized for all models, and included frontal collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

A new Off-Road package also debuted for the luxury trim, adding surround-view cameras, a fuel tank skid plate, a transmission cooler, crawl control, and the multi-terrain select system that optimizes traction for different conditions. These changes helped keep the GX in buyers' minds, but after 10 years, this generation was showing its age against newer rivals.

There were some minor changes in 2021, including a new Premium Plus package, which added power-folding third-row seats and a premium audio system. The cabin also got a little quieter thanks to sound-insulating windows, while Amazon Alexa integration was added. For 2022, a new Black Line Special Edition trim level introduced a darker aesthetic inside and out, while a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was standard. Other new standard features included a semi-automated parking system, integrated navigation, and power-folding mirrors. In 2023, the surround-view camera was added to the Black Line package, and the Luxury trim gained the Mark Levinson surround sound audio system.

Fuel economy improved only slightly for the second-generation GXs, as the EPA estimated it would return 15/20 mpg city/highway. In 2017, the highway estimate was downgraded to 18 mpg, but increased to 19 mpg for 2020 through the end of production.

Crash tests were finally conducted by NHTSA for the 2023 model year, where the GX received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, five stars for side impact protection, and three stars in frontal crash and rollover tests. The 2010 model year had a recall for the stability control system as well as for its airbags. The airbags remained an issue until the 2017 model year. Fuel pump recalls also occurred for the 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 GXs. The 2020 and later second-generation models were recall-free.

Pre-owned GX prices range from around $12,000 for a 2010 model year, $20,000 for 2015, and $35,000 for 2020 examples. Over the same model years, the Land Rover LR4 and Discovery are valued between $8,000 and $21,000.

2007 Lexus GX Preview summaryImage

First Generation (2003 - 2009)

The Lexus GX first went on sale as the 2003 GX 470 model, and shared a lot with the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner that debuted the same year. It had its own style to distinguish it from the 4Runner, with a bulkier and more upright appearance, and inside, the GX was much more luxurious, with better materials and a few more features, including a third row of seats. Those rearmost seats were cramped, though, and best left to small children. The Lexus also had a side-hinged tailgate instead of the 4Runner's liftgate, which made it less convenient in some parking situations.

Like the 4Runner, the new Lexus was a body-on-frame vehicle, similar to a pickup truck, and they both shared some underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma of the time. This type of construction is more adept at off-roading, towing, and hauling than unibody vehicles, but typically results in a bumpier ride and poorer on-road handling.

The GX received a standard 4.7-liter V8 with specs of 235 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, while a five-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case. Towing capacity was initially rated at 5,000 pounds but later increased to 6,500 lbs after a stronger hitch receiver replaced the original. The GX drove similarly to the Toyota 4Runner, but its adaptive variable suspension improved ride comfort and cornering abilities.

In 2004, the Lexus GX added a few features, the most notable being the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). With the touch of a button, the suspension stabilizer bars are disconnected, allowing for significantly more wheel travel and articulation when off-roading. This was a novel addition, as other off-roaders required you to crawl under the vehicle with tools to achieve the same effect. Further additions included a tire pressure monitoring system and a rearview camera.

Upgrades for the 2005 model year including a power increase to 270hp, a fresh navigation system, and Bluetooth. The lineup grew to include a new Sport trim level, which added wood and metallic elements, while the Lexus Link telematics system was also added. In 2006, the horsepower rating was changed to 263hp, but not because it lost any power. That year, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) altered its reporting standard, which had a similar effect on many vehicles.

Yet another new navigation system was added in 2007, along with an auxiliary audio input jack for iPods or other devices. There was a styling update in 2008 but not much else, and nothing new for 2009.

In its first year, the 2003 Lexus GX 470 was estimated to return 14 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Those figures are comparable to other SUVs of the time, as were the adjustments to 14/18 mpg city/highway for the remainder of the generation.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted crash tests on Lexus GX models of this vintage and, according to NHTSA, the 2003 GX had only one recall for the rear seat latches. From 2004 to 2006, there was another recall for possible unexpected side airbag deployment. Otherwise, the first-generation GX models were trouble-free.

Prices for first-generation GXs vary depending on age, mileage, and condition. Expect to pay around $6,300 for early models, while vehicles produced near the end of production climb to $9,000 and $10,000. These resale prices easily beat the Land Rover Discovery and LR3 of the time, but the collectible Mercedes-Benz G-Class remains well above $20,000. These made up the most direct competitors in the luxury off-road class, while more city-centric alternatives included the Acura MDX, the BMW X5, and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Related Topics

Mark Takahashi has been in the automotive world since 2001 and over the years has contributed to Edmunds, Car and Driver, Autoblog, and TrueCar. Prior to being an editor, Mark was an art director on various car and motorcycle publications and has competed in amateur open-wheel racing. He is also a juror on the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards.

The content above is for informational purposes only and should be independently verified. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.