Used 2023 Lexus GX

There’s no shortage of midsize luxury SUVs on the market, but the Lexus GX is a unique offering in this class. It uses old-school, body-on-frame architecture and a naturally aspirated V8 engine, giving it an almost truck-like driving character.

Its standard 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system with a 2-speed transfer case gives it excellent off-road capabilities, while the 3-row interior has the quality and craftsmanship you’d expect from a Lexus. Some of the more mainstream SUVs in this class have more refined driving dynamics and better fuel economy, but few can match the rugged capabilities and proven reliability of the GX. Its closest rival in off-road-ready luxury SUVs is the Land Rover Discovery.

Compared to luxury SUVs with more car-like driving dynamics, the Lexus GX has more ponderous handling, and the ride quality is a bit unrefined. There’s no getting around its truck-like body-on-frame architecture, but that’s a big part of what makes the GX such a strong off-roader.

The standard V8 engine provides ample power and plenty of towing muscle. The standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System enhances on-road comfort and off-road stability. It gets more comfortable with the available Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically controlled dampers that automatically adjust to road surface conditions. It comes with three suspension modes: Normal, Sport, and Comfort.

Standard features like 4-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, a Torsen limited-slip center differential, and downhill assist control make the GX a premium SUV that’s capable off-road. Its adventurous capabilities help provide confidence-inspiring traction in any road condition.

If you’re willing to sacrifice on-road refinement for off-road capability, you’ll have no complaints about how the GX drives.

The Lexus GX hasn’t received a complete redesign since the 2010 model year. Lexus has made improvements over the years, including the big 10.3-inch touchscreen that became standard in 2022, but this still feels like a dated design compared to the more modern competition. That said, it’s still a premium interior with nice materials and tech features.

The Lexus GX has seating for seven. There’s plenty of room for passengers in the first two rows, but the third row feels cramped. It’s suitable if you occasionally need extra seats in a pinch, but the GX isn’t the best choice if you have passengers in the way back regularly.

The cargo space in the GX is about average for a midsize SUV. There is 11.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all of the rear seats folded down.

The Lexus GX has a luxurious and rugged personality, and its exterior styling does a great job putting that on display. It speaks the Lexus design language with a prominent “spindle” grille and a sharp light signature. The boxy body has some pronounced body lines adding to the rugged look.

We do have a minor gripe about the swing-out tailgate. The hinges are on the passenger side. That means if the GX is parallel parked and you open the cargo area, there’s a wall between you and the sidewalk. It takes a little getting used to. It won’t be an issue if you don’t parallel park often.

The proportions of the GX are a little unconventional for a midsize SUV. It’s tall and narrow, while most SUVs in this class are lower and wider. The dimensions of the GX are similar to the Land Rover Discovery.

1. Black Line Special Edition
This special edition of the GX adds unique dark exterior accents, special 18-inch wheels, and a stylish interior with Boulder Gray NuLuxe seats, a black headliner, gray stitching, and black matte ash wood trim. There’s also a Nori Green Pearl paint option exclusive to the Black Line model.

2. Potent V8
The standard V8 under the hood of the GX makes 301 horsepower and can tow up to 6,500 pounds. This trusty V8 has been powering the GX for over a decade and contributes significantly to this SUV’s excellent reliability ratings.

3. Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
This standard suspension setup uses a hydraulic system to transfer fluid from one cylinder to another when the GX encounters an uneven road surface to enhance stability on-road and off. It’s upgradable to a more sophisticated Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

4. Off-Road Package
This option package available on the Luxury model enhances the capabilities of the GX with several valuable features. It adds a Multi-Terrain Monitor with multiple cameras, a transmission cooler, a fuel tank protector, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select so you can choose the proper drive mode to suit the terrain.

5. Lexus Safety System+
This standard safety tech suite bundles features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

6. 10.3-inch infotainment system
This standard infotainment system has a beautiful screen packed with desirable features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. You also get four USB ports throughout the cabin.

The sole engine option in the Lexus GX is a tried and true 4.6-liter V8. It produces 301 horsepower and can tow up to 6,500 pounds, but its fuel economy is unimpressive.

Every Lexus GX has a 6-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case.

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