2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX was 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus GX scored 4.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 model comes out on top primarily for its overall proven design, robust off-road capabilities, and reliability. Therefore, if you value time-tested performance and a rugged style over the latest technological advancements, the 2021 Lexus GX would be the better choice in this comparison.

Overview

MSRP

$53,450

MSRP

$56,125

Average price

$44,557

Average price

$52,635

Listings

463

Listings

308
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

4.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology

2021 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

2022 Lexus GX Reviews Summary

Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Engine

4.6L 301 hp V8

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

301 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

15

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

19

MPG Highway

19
2021 Lexus GX
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus GX
$53,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus GX
$56,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus GX was 5.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus GX scored 4.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 model comes out on top primarily for its overall proven design, robust off-road capabilities, and reliability. Therefore, if you value time-tested performance and a rugged style over the latest technological advancements, the 2021 Lexus GX would be the better choice in this comparison.

Overview
MSRP
$53,450
$56,125
Average price
$44,557
$52,635
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.6
Expert reviews

5.3 out of 10

Read full review

4.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Poor handling
  • Outdated technology
Summary

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

Based on the same rugged traditional body-on-frame SUV platform as the Toyota 4Runner, the 2022 Lexus GX is something akin to a Japanese Land Rover. Designed for maximum off-roading capability and only then refined for use as a luxurious daily driver, it has a standard V8 engine, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard unquenchable thirst for fuel. And though Lexus markets the GX as a three-row, seven-passenger SUV, it is best used to carry five people and 46.7 cubic feet of cargo behind its second-row seat.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.6L 301 hp V8
4.6L 301 hp V8
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
301 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
15
15
MPG Highway
19
19
Look and feel
2021 Lexus GX
7/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

The Lexus GX 460’s styling remained virtually unchanged between 2021 and 2022, reinforcing the brand's commitment to its robust, distinctive design. The 2021 GX carried forward the decade-old body shell, but with updates such as the hallmark spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights added in recent years. Notably, the 2021 model didn’t receive any styling updates, though it did feature newly standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim.

Its exterior design was considered coherent and distinctive, with the spindle grille complementing its aggressive, tough aesthetic despite its original design not being spindle grille-friendly. While the exterior remained well-updated, the 2021 interior lagged in luxury compared to modern SUV standards. The wood trim in the Premium trim resembled molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. Nevertheless, standard leather upholstery (with semi-aniline leather on the range-topping Luxury trim) added a luxurious touch to an otherwise old-school interior.

Contrastingly, the 2022 Lexus GX introduced the Black Line Special Edition with a dramatic blacked-out look. The Black Line treatment effectively removed chrome accents, enhancing the SUV's dark, modern aesthetic. This version was available in three colors: Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, or Nori Green Pearl, but the black-themed version stood out the most. However, the new design had practicality issues, such as easily acquiring dust and dirt.

Both models retained the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, making the GX instantly recognizable. The interior of the 2022 GX improved in material quality, with the Black Line Special Edition featuring NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. Despite these improvements, entry to the rear seats was challenging, and the third row remained cramped and uninviting for adults.

Performance
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Lexus GX
6/10

In terms of performance, the 2021 and 2022 Lexus GX shared the same powertrain, featuring a 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration for both models was a leisurely 7.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

The 2021 GX had a base curb weight of 5,130 pounds, which significantly influenced its driving dynamics. While the V8 offered sufficient grunt for city driving, it required careful planning for merging and overtaking due to the weight. Similarly, braking prowess was more aligned with older SUVs, necessitating additional planning for stops. Body roll and low grip were notable in corners, highlighting the traditional body-on-frame construction, which impacted ride quality adversely compared to modern unibody SUVs.

Off-road, the 2021 GX excelled, boasting a Torsen center differential, 4WD with low range capabilities, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, and an optional Off-Road Package that added Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and additional protective elements. Its off-road credentials included an 8.1-inch ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles, although it fell short of the Land Rover Discovery’s capabilities.

The 2022 GX bore similar dynamic characteristics with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds. The 4.6-liter V8’s torque was maximized at 3,500 rpm, providing the same towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system split power 40/60 under normal conditions. Despite the traditional body-on-frame design, the 2022 GX featured the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS), improving ride stability and body control.

Fuel economy for both models was rated at an unimpressive 16 mpg combined, reflecting the heavyweight, V8 powertrain, and permanent 4WD system. The 2022 model, however, managed a slightly better observed economy of 16.8 mpg during testing.

Form and function
2021 Lexus GX
5/10
2022 Lexus GX
2/10

The interior space of the 2021 GX felt dated with an upright dashboard and high center console restricting legroom. The tall seating position coupled with the steering wheel's odd angle contributed to a bus-like driving feel. A new heated wood-trimmed steering wheel was standard for 2021 Premium models, but the heating elements didn't fully cover the wood sections.

Visibility-wise, 2021’s design offered good outside views due to the low side glass, though the tall hood obstructed forward visibility. Storage within the center console, in-door bottle holders, and cupholders was limited, and the cramped third row was best for children. The cargo space was modest with 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than the Land Rover Discovery’s 73.0 cubic feet.

The 2022 GX carried similar drawbacks but offered improved comfort and positioning with 10-way power-adjustable seats. The Black Line Special Edition further enhanced interior aesthetics with NuLuxe upholstery and black decorative elements. Climate control for three zones and heated/ventilated seats added to the comfort but accessing the third row remained difficult and tight for adults. Cargo space figures were unchanged at a limited 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. Loading was hindered by the side-hinged tailgate, especially in tight parking situations.

Technology
2021 Lexus GX
4/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

The 2021 GX’s tech suite was notably outdated. It included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was archaic with dated graphics and limited functionality. However, traditional analog controls for most functions provided simplicity and ease of use.

The 2022 GX stepped into modernization with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and integrated navigation. This upgrade marked a significant leap from the previous model's dated system. The Lexus app and Enform connected services added modern connectivity options, while the layout and placement of stereo controls remained awkwardly designed. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio was optional, improving sound quality but wasn't present in the test model.

Safety
2021 Lexus GX
6/10
2022 Lexus GX
4/10

Safety features in both models were centered around the Lexus Safety System+. The 2021 GX came with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it missed advanced safety techs like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 GX maintained the same standard safety suite with enhancements including standard Intuitive Parking Assist. Optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras augmented safety in challenging driving scenarios. Despite these features, advanced safety technologies found in newer SUVs, like lane-keeping assist or autonomous driving aids, were absent in both models. Importantly, neither model had crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS due to their age.

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