2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Lexus GX had a design that was starting to show its age. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX received some new design tweaks for 2020, including the hourglass grille that had become a signature of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it suited the GX better than the larger LX. Despite the updated front end and headlights, the GX's decade-old design was still evident, especially in the cabin, which retained the large, chunky center console and big buttons typical of early 2010s Lexus styling.

The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim came well-equipped with features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added amenities such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, 3-zone automatic climate control, and navigation. The top-tier Luxury trim included premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a self-leveling air suspension. Despite its age, the GX's rugged capability and extensive feature list made it a compelling choice for those seeking a capable luxury SUV.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over the sharp design lines and familial styling attributes of the Lexus lineup. Its sculpted exterior gave it a familiar appearance, similar to the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX was about the same size as the Toyota RAV4 and came standard with power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sporty touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster that included a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design looked dated compared to newer models with all-digital displays. The center stack also showed its age with an elevated climate-control button setup and a now-rare CD player. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—that influenced throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 offered a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted at first but proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. In a week of mixed driving, the observed average was 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, which was average for the segment. The F Sport variant included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this feature unnecessary.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but slightly lower combined efficiency at 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph. The available adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering was somewhat numb.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. These captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. The rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude into the cabin, road and wind noise were well-muted. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. It featured a true touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Despite this, the simplicity of the system was appreciated by those who found modern interfaces overly complex.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. This package also included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the system added HomeLink to the Navigation package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The top-tier NX offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also available. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.