The 2015 Lexus GX can go where few others can.A decade ago, 'tough-truck' luxury was all the rage. But the Lexus GX 460 is strictly a niche product today.
For the U.S. the GX 460 has become an increasingly hard sell. Even as gas prices have continued to trend down, Americans continue to gravitate to more road-bound crossovers with better fuel economy. That said, it offers a luxurious cabin for family-hauling, as well as a full-fledged off-roading four-wheel-drive system for weekend warriors.
Likes Towing ability Good front seats, driving position Useful off-road electronics Powerful V-8
Dislikes Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Disappointing, high cargo floor
The 2015 Lexus GX 460 has a personality that makes it stand apart from most 3-row luxury SUVs. Actually it's more like a split personality that embodies the plush accommodations associated with every Lexus, and the 4-wheel-drive capability to venture where few of its peers would dare. While rivals such as the BMW X5, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7 are tailored for sedan-like on-road performance, the V8-powered Lexus GX has truck-like construction for excellent off-road performance. That makes the GX somewhat of a compromise in the city, where its ride is less forgiving. But for adventure seekers looking for a 7-passenger SUV that's luxurious and rugged – not to mention reliable and a resale champ – the Lexus GX is among the last and best of its kind.
Likes If you want to crawl over rocks, scale treacherous slopes and tow heavy loads in your 3-row luxury SUV – or at least give the impression you do – nothing outside a Land Rover LR4 will do it better in the $50,000-$60,000 price range. Moreover, the Lexus has excellent resale value.
Dislikes If the terms "low-range gearing," "locking center differential" and "crawl control" sound like foreign language, you likely won't be using the Lexus GX 460 for serious off-roading. In that case, you'll appreciate the more refined on-road manners and better fuel efficiency of one of its luxury crossover SUV rivals.
Merging a sturdy chassis and typical Lexus luxury, the GX is a mountain climber in a three-piece suit. A 301-hp 4.6-liter V-8, a six-speed automatic, and a four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential are all standard and provide the GX its off-road credentials. Inside, plush seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a power-adjustable steering wheel are standard; adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking are optional on the top Luxury trim. GX460 was the Lexus brand’s third-best-selling SUV (even though the Lexus lineup had only four SUVs). In calendar year 2015, it gathered more buyers than the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover LR4, and Range Rover Sport, and it nearly kept pace with the Mercedes-Benz GL. However, the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the combined Mercedes-Benz M-class/GLE all outsold the Lexus by a ratio of more than two to one. It has certainly outlasted just about all of its mid-size, truck-based peers. Add in booming sales of other examples of the larger breed—Escalades, Navigators, and such—and the expected demise of the traditional body-on-frame SUV has been slower than anticipated. Blame cheap gasoline.
The 2020 GMC Acadia comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.New turbocharged four-cylinder engine option.Nine-speed transmission replaces former six-speed unit.Upgraded navigation and entertainment system.New outdoor-oriented AT4 trim level.
Pros Refined ride quality makes it comfortable in any driving situation Quick acceleration from the optional V6 engine Simple cabin layout means everything is usable at a glance Modern onboard technology keeps you connected
Cons Cabin isn't particularly luxurious, even in the priciest trim levels Some rival crossovers have more cargo and third-row space Lackluster base engine
The Acadia receives a facelift for 2020, with a new grille, newly standard LED headlights, and revisions to the rear end. There's also a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine—standard on the SLT and Denali trims—which GMC estimates will have 230 horsepower when it goes on sale late in the model year. The trim lineup has expanded to include an AT4 model, which brings off-road-inspired design (including 17-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tires) to the Acadia lineup.
Pros Attractive design, improved infotainment, plenty of in-cabin storage space.
Cons Quality doesn't match price, cramped third row, unimpressive fuel economy.
The 2020 GMC Acadia’s expanded lineup and new styling look worth the wait.
Pros Good looks Infotainment upgrades worthwhile Intriguing new turbo-4
Cons Active safety tech should be standard A little narrow inside Push-button shifters not our favorite
