Used 2020 Lexus GX

#18 in Best Midsize Luxury SUVs of 2020

Buyers still like the 2020 Lexus GX 460 and the reasons are obvious. All the things that show its age — like body-on-frame construction, naturally aspirated V8, and old-school all-wheel-drive hardware — are the very elements that make it attractive and distinct from other 7-seater luxury-midsize-crossover SUVs. This thing is a serious machine with a sturdy reputation.

The only rival that can give the GX a run for its considerable money in terms of off-road ability and towing talents is the Land Rover Discovery. Other contenders like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class are superb on the road, and have more refined ride qualities (as does the Discovery), but to venture into the wilderness with the confidence of being able to get back home is an easier proposition in the GX. Perhaps buyers don’t care about the lack of smartphone integration because there’s no cellphone signal where they’re heading.

The Lexus GX 460 also maintains exceptionally high resale values, a good thing when the price is in excess of $50,000.

More modern rivals employ a one-piece construction; the GX stays with the traditional body-on-frame approach. Along with standard all-wheel drive, this contributes to a rugged, highly capable off-road aspect, plus strong towing ability (up to 6,500 pounds).

What it doesn’t do is provide the kind of sophisticated ride found in the Volvo XC90, for example. The tall body also results in a fairly high center of gravity, so it’s not going to zip around corners like a car. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, however, at least helps to minimize body lean on-road, and improve traction and wheel articulation off-road.

The 4.6-liter V8 delivers plenty of power, but also uses plenty of gas. In fuel-consumption terms, the GX is at or near the bottom of its segment.

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Changes for 2020 include a revised multi-function steering wheel, extra USB ports for rear passengers, plus the addition of Gray Sapele wood trim with aluminum accents.

In regular form, the 2020 GX has 3-row/7-occupant seating. The slide/recline second row splits and folds in 40/20/40 fashion and the third row folds flat. So there are several permutations for people and things. A pair of 2nd-row captain’s chairs is optional, cutting the tush count to six.

Accommodations up front are great. The second row works for adults (made comfier with the captain’s chairs) and the third is best for kids. The base and Premium versions have NuLuxe simulated-leather upholstery. The real stuff (now with a Dark Rose choice) is optional in Premium trim, standard in Luxury.

Instruments are clear and easily legible, but there are lots of buttons — another sign of the GX’s advancing years (most rivals have migrated a bunch of functions to their infotainment systems). It’s all finished impeccably.

This new model year brings some changes to the massive grille. Instead of the horizontal lines, there’s more of a 3D effect. On either side of the grille are triple-beam LED headlights (standard). And the side molding has been removed.

Concessions to aerodynamics are few (if any), but the GX 460’s boxy shape has several advantages in regard to headroom and cargo space. The standard running boards mitigate the vehicle’s height that would make entry and exit a touch awkward.

The tailgate is sort of useful while also being a potential pain. Instead of lifting up, it opens to the side, but it’s hinged on the right. That makes perfect sense in Japan and other countries where people drive on the left. For the rest of the world, the tailgate opens toward the curb and can make loading/unloading unnecessarily irritating.

KINETIC DYNAMIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM (KDSS)
Using stiff anti-roll bars attached to hydraulic cylinders, the GX’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improves on-road performance by enhancing the ride quality and cornering behavior, while also optimizing off-road performance with greater wheel articulation.

COMPREHENSIVE FULL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE
The full-time all-wheel-drive system in the 2020 Lexus GX 460 is one of the best in the business, using Active Traction Control to limit wheel slip and an electronically locking torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip center differential for even power distribution between front and rear.

Even in its base form, the Lexus GX 460 is well stocked. Features include simulated-leather upholstery, wood trim, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, power-adjustable steering column, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, and illuminated running boards.

Entertainment and phone connectivity are provided by a 9-speaker AM/FM/CD display audio system with 8-inch touch screen and Bluetooth, four USB ports, compatibility with Siri Eyes Free iPhone, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, plus the Enform apps suite.

On the safety side, there are 10 airbags, active headrests to reduce the severity of whiplash, and Lexus’ Safety Connect system with 24/7 emergency services, and now the Lexus Safety System Plus with all the necessary driver aids.

Although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the base GX 460, we think the Premium trim is a better call. For less than $3,000 more, it comes with tri-zone automatic climate control with an interior air filter, heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard 2nd-row seats, rain-sensing wipers, LED fog lights, and front/rear parking sensors.

The top Luxury trim has an adaptive suspension with a self-leveling air setup at the rear, real leather upholstery, heated wood/leather steering wheel, power recline/fold 3rd-row seats, heated/self-dimming side mirrors, headlight washers, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Other options include a 17-speaker/330-watt Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system, an Off-road package (underbody protection/camera system, multi-terrain driving modes, panoramic view, crawl control), 2nd-row captain’s chairs, and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

There are no engine or transmission changes to the 2020 GX 460. Propulsion comes from a 4.6-liter V8 making 301 horsepower. This goes to all four wheels through a somewhat outdated yet reliable 6-speed automatic transmission, which also includes a 2-speed transfer case and a locking center differential for serious off-road prowess.

For all its smoothness and dependability, this drivetrain has an alarming appetite for gasoline, averaging around 16 mpg — roughly the same as a 1984 Lincoln Town Car. Most rivals hit the low 20s, while the Land Rover Discovery also offers a diesel option.

4.6-liter V8
301 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
329 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg