2020 Lexus GX Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Off-road capability
Comfortable
Cons
Outdated technology
Uninspired styling
Despite a facelift, the Lexus GX remains one of the most dated luxury SUVs on the market. Luckily, it’s also one of the most capable.
Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.
There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.
You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.
7/10
The Lexus GX is certainly long in the tooth. It was introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year. The second generation continued to the current 2020 model year, albeit with some new design tweaks from Lexus. This updated GX takes on the garish hourglass grille design that has exploded onto the front end of every vehicle in the Lexus lineup. In fact, the GX is one of the last vehicles to take on this latest version of the design. On some Lexus vehicles, it is pretty hard to look at, but on the GX, it’s not so bad. The GX certainly wears it better than the larger LX.
Despite the new front end and headlights, this is still a decade-old vehicle, and it is sure to soldier on for a number more years. Were it any other luxury SUV, this would spell doom for the model, but the Lexus GX shares a platform with the Toyota 4Runner—one of the last true sport utility vehicles out there. The 4Runner thumbs its nose at change, and in many ways, the GX is no different. That is because both vehicles are incredibly capable, and their rugged capability outweighs the necessity to innovate.
The GX's age is readily apparent in the cabin. In there, things look unchanged from a decade ago (because they are). The large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen is a hallmark of early 2010s Lexus cabin styling. While I wouldn’t want this interior in a new Lexus RX, sticking to the basics kind of works for more rough-and-tumble SUVs. Consider that before it adopted the full touchscreen center console, Lexus used to brag that the GX's big radio and climate-control dials and knobs were “operable while wearing work gloves.” My, how things have changed.
Lexus offers the GX in three trims: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury. The 460 is effectively the base trim, though it’s hard to call it that. It has a long list of standard features, including 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. It also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Premium trim adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, 3-zone automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and LED fog lights. It also adds wood and aluminum cabin accents, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Finally, the Premium adds navigation to the touchscreen, as well as apps such as Yelp and iHeartRadio. These tech features are part of an available Navigation package on the 460, but they come standard on the 460 Premium.
On the 460 Premium, second-row captain’s chairs are a $3,115 option, but they come standard on our 460 Luxury test model. Other features on the Luxury trim include premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, self-leveling air suspension, and power-folding/reclining third-row seats.
Our Luxury test model also came with the optional rear-seat entertainment system, comprised of dual seatback screens, headphones, and a remote. This was a high-end option 10 years ago, but I’m not sure how relevant it is at a time when everyone has a smartphone or tablet to keep themselves entertained on long trips.
CarGurus recommends avoiding many of these upcharges and add-ons and going for the base 460 trim. As we mentioned, it comes extremely well equipped and even includes Amazon Alexa integration.
9/10
As its alphanumerics suggest, the GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine. It makes 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). Reading those horsepower and torque specs now might not impress you, because many modern V6 (and even some highly turbocharged 4-cylinder) engines are capable of exceeding them. But V8 engines offer an unmistakable swell of power that you experience in real-world driving. Whether you're lurching off the line or rumbling up to highway speeds, sometimes there really is no replacement for displacement.
Many Lexus vehicles have distinctively light steering, and the GX is no different. At first, it feels over-boosted like your grandma’s old Buick, but getting the GX out onto the road dispels that feeling. Despite its lightness, the steering is actually quite direct and responsive. The GX is no sports car, but it certainly won’t veer around on main roads or the highway, where it seems to tighten up even more.
Our test model had the self-leveling air suspension, which can raise or lower the GX with the push of a button. This suspension made for a really smooth, yet composed, ride. Like the steering, it is soft, but it isn’t numb. You can fly over potholes and bumps in the road, and yet you can also turn into a corner without too much drama.
When working with the 4WD system, the GX is an absolute beast. The typical car-based luxury SUV might be fine through deep snow, mud, sand, or some form of very mild off-road driving, but it’s going to whine the whole time as you push the vehicle’s capability. The GX will go beyond that without breaking a sweat.
Next to the GX's shifter, you’ll find a panel of toggle switches. From here, you can operate the various 4WD modes, adjust the suspension height, or activate Downhill Assist Control, which is like cruise control for the trail. It is from here that you can also adjust the suspension response between Comfort, Normal, and Sport.
Who needs this kind of capability and control? The better question is, how do you spend your weekends? As the GX is based on the 4Runner, it has the same level of control over its various chassis systems, and it's designed for people who truly get off the beaten path. That doesn’t mean people are routinely taking the GX out onto class 5 off-road trails, but it definitely means you won't have trouble taking it out onto the beach or up to a remote ski cabin.
Adding to its seemingly do-it-all status, the GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, and yet it also provides a surprisingly tight turning radius of 19 feet, which is smaller than the Lexus RX's and NX's. With all this in mind, the GX could actually be a sensible city vehicle for urbanites who want a larger luxury SUV.
As one might imagine, fuel-economy estimates for this aging V8 machine are not that impressive. The 2020 GX 460 returns fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, 16 combined. In a week of combined city and highway driving, we observed an average of 16.3 mpg.
8/10
The Premium and Luxury trims are available with the second-row captain's chairs, while the Luxury trim comes standard with the power-folding third-row seats.
The second-row captain’s chairs are actually a smart option for families. They provide a small access way to the third row, as well as a natural barrier between the kids. As for adults, getting into the third row can be a bit of a chore. This is one area where car-based crossovers shine, as they have been optimized for getting families in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible.
With all rear seats folded, the GX offers 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is not a lot. The less expensive, 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee has 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Land Rover Discovery is in a similar capability range and is equally priced, but it has nearly 80 cubic feet of cargo space.
The GX also offers a unique way of accessing its cargo area, via a side-opening rear hatch. I’ve never seen the advantage of this type of rear hatch, and the only other vehicle I can think of that currently employs one is the Ford EcoSport. On the plus side, the GX does have a separately opening rear window/hatch, which is a terrific feature. It allows you to put items in the rear cargo area without having to swing open the massive side-opening hatch.
6/10
Perhaps the area in which the GX most clearly shows its age is in its touchscreen infotainment setup. This is clearly the last generation of Lexus Enform, but that has its perks. For one, it is a true touchscreen, as opposed to using the frustrating Lexus Remote Touch cursor system. The touchscreen is flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, and it's proof that we’re headed in the wrong direction when it comes to in-car user interfaces. This decade-old layout is plainly simpler than what you might find in the Lexus RX or NX.
The rub is that you'll miss out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s a tough tradeoff, but many drivers might choose the simplicity of this system over the complexity of the modern Lexus infotainment setup.
8/10
While Lexus has not updated the infotainment system, it has made sure the GX comes with the latest driver-assistance features. For 2020, the GX comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+. That means it includes forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The GX also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, and our test model had the available surround-view camera.
Finally, drivers will enjoy the GX's great visibility. The driver sits up high and gets treated to massive windows and mirrors. In addition to all the driver-assistance features, an unimpeded field of vision adds safety to any vehicle.
7/10
The 2020 Lexus GX 460 has a base MSRP of $53,000. A mid-range GX 460 Premium starts at $55,790, and a range-topping Luxury trim starts at $64,265. Our test model included the Sport Design Package ($2,020), the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system ($1,985), and the Mark Levinson premium audio system package ($1,145). All told, factoring in a few more options and destination, our test model clocked in at more than $70,000.
That is certainly a lot to pay for a luxury SUV that doesn’t offer features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the GX more than makes up for that with 3 rows of seats, a comfortable-yet-capable ride, and undeniable 4WD utility. When you really consider which other vehicles out there offer everything the GX does, the list is very short.
A Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland costs less, but it has only 2 rows of seats. A Land Rover Discovery costs about the same, but I don’t think it’s any more capable than the GX. This extremely short list starts to bring the price of the GX into focus. Not all shoppers will need the off-road grit of the GX, but for those that want this level of capability in a luxury SUV, the GX is nearly the only choice.
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
User reviews for 2020 Lexus GX
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Charles C
Dec 12, 2023
A good value but I went with the 2021 GX460. I loved the features on both the 20 and 21 models but the 21 won me over!!Dec 12, 2023
by Salam A
Jun 11, 2023
It is a very good car, with all the complete specifications and everything you need in itJun 11, 2023
by Patrick Z
May 02, 2023
it is the best car - see you at 300 thousand milesMay 02, 2023
User rating:
by Charles C
Dec 12, 2023
A good value but I went with the 2021 GX460. I loved the features on both the 20 and 21 models but the 21 won me over!!Dec 12, 2023
by Salam A
Jun 11, 2023
It is a very good car, with all the complete specifications and everything you need in itJun 11, 2023
by Patrick Z
May 02, 2023
it is the best car - see you at 300 thousand milesMay 02, 2023
by Rosa D
Apr 20, 2023
Yes ,good price, good options... everything is clear Apr 20, 2023
by Kevin B
Feb 18, 2023
Traded in my 4Runner for a Lexus GX. I thought both were the same vehicles. Boy was I wrong. The GX is a 180 degrees different from the 4Runner. The ride quality is awesome. Road noise is almost absent. Solid as a rock. Feb 18, 2023
by Abigail E
Jan 08, 2022
great car! I love it, very sharp and classy car?
Jan 08, 2022
by Linda T
Apr 29, 2021
This model is lacking on updates such as back door opening with key or foot. Ga mileage is bad . Handling is average and power is lacking . Apr 29, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2020
It’s our second Lexus GX 460. Our first one has 170,000 miles and is still going strong. After driving several other SUV’s we decided to buy another GX 460. It’ has the perfect size, off-road capabilities, interior luxury, build-quality and reliability. Like most large SUV’s, the gas mileage is low, but that’s the only drawback. Dec 12, 2020
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2020
I would love to purchase the GX 460, however the gas mileage sucks, not environmentally friendly for our planet.Dec 05, 2020
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2020 Lexus GX Pricing
Original MSRP
$53,000 to $64,265Price range
$38,047 to $41,073Average price on CG
$38,047YoY price change
$41,073 to $38,047Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.91 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front, rear, third, and fourth row · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Front stabilizer bar: active hydraulic mount · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: active hydraulic mount
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Third row side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Slacker internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.3 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 115V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.91 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: front · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Running boards: body color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: silver
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front, rear, third, and fourth row · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: perforated
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Stability and Traction
Traction control: with trailer stability control
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Front stabilizer bar: active hydraulic mount · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: solid live axle · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: active hydraulic mount · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front