2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, presenting a sharp and sculpted exterior that echoed the styling of its siblings, the UX and RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models offered a familiar yet distinct appearance, with the F Sport variant adding sporty touches like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX maintained Lexus's reputation for quality with excellent material fit and finish, though its gauge cluster and center stack design felt somewhat dated compared to newer competitors. The F Sport model featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a G-Force meter, adding a touch of sportiness to the otherwise traditional suburban SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition embraced a bold, monochromatic look, particularly in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated most chrome accents. Despite its modern exterior treatment, the GX's design remained reminiscent of its predecessors, with a cabin that, while high in quality, retained some old-school switchgear. The GX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with a focus on refinement and a satisfying V8 engine note. However, its interior layout, particularly the third-row seating and cargo space, presented challenges in terms of practicality and ease of use.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds, a respectable figure for its class. The six-speed automatic transmission, while adequate, lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by more modern multi-speed transmissions. The NX's AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, though it lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 25 mpg combined and the AWD variant slightly lower at 24 mpg. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system for improved ride comfort and handling.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, enabling a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. Despite its power, the GX's performance was hampered by its hefty curb weight and high drag coefficient, resulting in a combined fuel economy of just 16 mpg. The GX's full-time 4WD system and Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it more stable and secure on various terrains. However, its slow steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience, especially in urban settings.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-styled and comfortable interior, with ample room for front and rear passengers. However, its cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise intrusion, and featured available heated and ventilated seats, as well as a power liftgate with kick sensor technology.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, though its narrow width and short length made maneuvering easier. The interior featured comfortable seating with NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, but accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was limited by the design of the tailgate and third-row seating. The GX's cargo capacity was 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded, which was less than some compact SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package, which included features like predictive traffic information and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, though the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its complexity. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The GX retained a CD player and offered a Lexus app with smartwatch compatibility. The infotainment system allowed for a dual-screen view and had excellent voice recognition. However, the placement of stereo controls below off-roading controls was awkward. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The NX also came with Lexus Enform Safety Connect, offering emergency assistance and collision notification.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on Lexus Safety System+ for safety, which included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which might appeal to those preferring fewer driving aids.