2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic emblematic of the Lexus brand. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the base RX and RX Hybrid, the performance-focused RX F Sport, and the extended-body RXL and RXL Hybrid with third-row seating. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. The interior boasted standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, with available upgrades including semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a new Black Line treatment that eliminated almost all chrome from the exterior, giving it a sleek, modern look. However, the GX's design remained largely unchanged from previous generations, with a tall and narrow body that looked dated. Inside, the GX offered high-quality materials and a quiet cabin, with standard features like NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The front seats were comfortable and heated, while the rear seats were also heated but had limited access due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space when in use. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, making loading and unloading cumbersome.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 was the most fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid featured a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX had a top speed of 124 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The GX featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock. The GX's high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its V8 engine and 4WD system, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a highly functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and seating for six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, while the third row was tight. The RX had 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver, though the steering was slow. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The front seats were comfortable and heated, while the rear seats were also heated but had limited access. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, making loading and unloading cumbersome. The GX had 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system was functional but dated, with a touchpad controller that took up valuable center console space. The RX did not have wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX's stereo controls were located at the bottom of the center control panel, making them harder to use. The GX also had standard Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid had not been tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, and road sign assist. The RX had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2022 Lexus GX had no crash-test ratings due to its age. Standard safety features included Lexus Safety System+, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a favorable driving experience, as the GX did not override steering inputs.