2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

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.

Like a geological core sample, you can chart the evolution of the American family car by looking at the Chevrolet lineup. Go back a few decades and you have tail-finned and wood-paneled station wagons, then Lumina APV “Dustbuster” minivans. Today, you have the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse.

The Traverse is a three-row crossover of the type that has largely eliminated the minivan from showrooms. As the new default choice for larger families, the three-row crossover has spawned a competitive market segment, encompassing the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. So buyers aren’t exactly lacking in choices here.

The current-generation Traverse dates back to the 2018 model year, so it’s not the newest vehicle in the segment, but still fairly fresh. Chevy had some updates planned for the 2021 model year—including minor styling changes and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity—but they’ve been pushed to 2022. However, these changes don’t appear significant enough to justify waiting around for the 2022 Traverse, which is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year.

For 2021, the Traverse is available in L, LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country trim levels, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was an AWD Traverse RS model.