2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes, but it did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers, although the interior lagged behind modern luxury standards with its dated design and extensive use of plastic.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a fresh, modern design when it went on sale in December 2021. Available in four model series—NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+—the NX featured a more refined and simplified styling approach, similar to the Lexus IS sports sedan. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with its unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the NX adopted a minimalist look, with a decluttered dashboard and a focus on high-quality materials, although some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and braking more challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capability with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD system, and various driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its ruggedness, making it a strong contender for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, offered a more modern and dynamic driving experience. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350’s performance was more engaging, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its handling on winding roads. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid provided electrified options, with the latter offering 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. However, the NX’s off-road capabilities were limited, with only 7.7 inches of ground clearance and shallow approach and departure angles.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a more comfortable and modern interior, with a new dashboard design that created a cozy feeling. The front seats, especially in the F Sport trim, provided better bolstering and comfort, with heated and ventilated options. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, the analog controls and large shortcut buttons provided a user-friendly interface, a refreshing change from the screen-centric approaches of other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, enhancing the user experience. Additional features included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and various connected services, although the touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included new technologies like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package offered a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.