2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was crafted for those passionate about the all-black aesthetic. This special edition included a Black Onyx exterior that absorbed nearly all available light, creating an intense, shadowy presence on the road. This transformation eliminated much of the original chrome detailing, yet this impressive look did little to hide the vehicle's susceptibility to dirt. In less than a day, a breezy afternoon left the GX covered in dust, causing it to look more aged and unkempt far sooner than expected. The 2022 GX’s design was a nod to its lineage. The SUV's design echoed the dated aesthetics of its predecessors. If not for the signature spindle grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and running lights, the 2022 model could easy be mistaken for a previous generation GX 470 from two decades prior. However, the interior felt more modern, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with Lexus, including smooth and silken materials and a notably quiet cabin. Available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, the 2022 GX ranged in price from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, built on the Premium trim, started at $60,535. The 2023 Lexus GX continued the path set by its predecessor but introduced slight refinements. With an imposing spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, it had undeniable road presence. Notably, the Black Line Special Edition returned, with only 3,000 units featuring colors like Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl (new for 2023), and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its assertive front end, the GX seemed to shrink from the side. Its 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs emphasized a design crafted for navigation through various terrains. The design leaned toward sleekness compared to the more blocky Toyota models. From the driver’s seat, the hood’s contour improved vehicle placement and handling, especially in technical driving scenarios. Inside, the 2023 model disappointed with its extensive use of plastic materials, which undermined its luxury badge. Still, it provided luxury appointments such as heated and cooled front seats (a $640 option), leather upholstery, and a power-retracting steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 relied on a thirsty 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, this powertrain enabled the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and delivered a somewhat spirited 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. However, its high drag coefficient of 0.35 and combined fuel economy of 16 mpg were less impressive. In testing, it managed 16.8 mpg, a slight improvement over estimates. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) played a significant role in delivering a balanced off-road and on-road experience. Although the GX hadn’t seen a redesign in 13 years, it remained a stable and refined drive, aided by slow and heavy steering and a touchy brake pedal. The Off-Road Package offered features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, skid plates, and monitoring cameras for more demanding terrains. For 2023, the Lexus GX 460 retained its V8 engine, which provided a linear increase in power and a satisfying engine note. With the same 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque as the 2022 model, the engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver reliable performance. The towing capacity remained at 6,500 pounds, but fuel economy was cited as 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The weighty GX navigated corners with predictable roll motion. Revised driving dynamics made it more communicative and manageable, with vague off-center steering that matched its class. The brakes remained a strong point, providing solid performance despite the vehicle's heft. A Torsen limited-slip differential allowed the 4WD system to adjust based on wheel slip, enhancing user-friendliness in various conditions. The high-level capabilities made the GX suitable for challenging terrains.

Upon entering the 2022 GX, the elevated driving position and 10-way power-adjustable seats were immediately noticeable. Despite its tall, narrow, and short proportions, the GX offered ease of urban and off-road maneuvering. However, molasses-slow steering required extra effort. Comfort was prioritized within the cabin, with plush padding and traditional switchgear. However, control placement flaws led to confusion between stereo and off-road controls. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and triple-zone automatic climate control. Interior space was limited by narrow rear door openings. While the second row provided ample legroom, the third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access, rendering it unsuitable for adults and potentially unsafe for young children due to proximity to the cargo door. Cargo space was a notable limitation; with 11.6 cubic feet available behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet, less than a Toyota RAV4’s capacity, loading heavy objects was cumbersome due to a side-hinged, manually operated tailgate. In 2023, the GX maintained a thoughtful approach to storage for small items, providing a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. The limited choice of USB-A ports signaled an outdated design. Door pockets remained small. Hard buttons dominated the controls, an advantage for those who preferred tangible interfaces over touchscreens. Though numerous, these buttons facilitated usability, avoiding the need to navigate complex menus. Comfort in the second row was improved with optional captain’s chairs and integrated cupholders, while a three-across bench seat was standard. Legroom and headroom were sufficient in the second row. However, the third-row seating continued to be tight, serving best for emergencies. The cargo area faced similar issues. The side-hinged, non-power-operated door demanded effort to open and restricted access when parked close to other vehicles. Cargo capacity was identical to the 2022 model, offering 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

In 2022, the GX gained a much-needed tech update with the introduction of a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Positioned at the top of the center control panel, it provided clear visibility and easy access. It rendered the old Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad redundant, though the touchpad remained. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, a CD player, a Lexus app, and the Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound system was optional. However, stereo control placement was confusing, positioned beneath off-roading controls with less user-friendly knobs. Notably, the system offered dual-screen views for simultaneous navigation and radio display. Voice recognition was excellent, providing quick and accurate responses. Standard Intuitive Parking Assist detected surrounding objects, and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras enhanced safety. Despite the 2022 update, the 2023 GX’s infotainment system already seemed outdated compared to newer Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen remained, offering integrations like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The outdated RTI was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. Lexus Enform Remote provided remote-start capabilities via smartphone, and the Luxury trim included the 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the overall tech paled in comparison to models like the Lexus NX, RX, and LX, with slower responsiveness and less impressive graphics. Off-road capability continued to be a GX highlight. A genuine 4WD system featured a two-speed transfer case, low range, and a locking center differential. Technologies like downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control contributed to its off-road prowess, while the KDSS leveled the vehicle during varied driving conditions. The Off-Road Package added multi-terrain monitors, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 GX, based on earlier engineering, lacked current crash-test ratings. This emphasized concerns, especially about third-row safety in rear-end collisions. Standard Lexus Safety System+ included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services (free for three years) added to safety. Absent were features like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, semi-autonomous driving, and active blind-spot intervention, which could deter tech-focused buyers but offered an unintrusive driver experience. The 2023 GX shared the absence of modern crash-test ratings with its predecessor. While improvements in structural safety since its initial 2010 engineering were absent, it retained essential safety features. Lexus equipped the GX with ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While lacking lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition, it balanced these omissions with capable safety functionalities.