The 2017 Lexus GX ranks 22 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus GX ranks near the bottom of the luxury midsize SUV class. If you want a luxury SUV with off-road capabilities (and standard four-wheel drive), then the GX is one of the few midsize choices that will meet your criteria. It also comes standard with seating for seven. In most other respects, however, you’re better off looking at most other vehicles in the class.
Pros Excellent off-road abilities Intuitive technology features
Cons Low fuel economy estimates Timid acceleration Unremarkable cabin materials
For an old-school SUV, the Lexus GX acquits itself quite well.Underneath its sharply-styled body and high-end interior, the Lexus GX 460 hides a utilitarian frame and a suspension shared with the foreign-market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Why's that important? The Prado, which is unrelated to the Land Cruiser sold at Toyota dealers in the United States, is a serious work truck designed for farmers in Australia and peacekeepers in Somalia. That helps explain some of its compromises—but despite its high step-in and quirky tailgate, the Lexus GX 460 does a lot of things very well.
Pros Truck-based solidity Smooth and strong V-8 engine Plush ride quality Comfortable interior Off-road ability
Cons Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb Too-light steering Poor gas mileage Spongy brake pedal feel Compromised cargo area
Lexus has added the Sport Design package to the 2017 GX 460, which includes some different wheels, a different front grille and additional exterior chrome trim pieces. Second-row captain's chairs are a new feature for the GX 460.
Pros Capable off-road performance requires little effort from the driver Plenty of luxury features and cabin amenities.
Cons Poor acceleration and fuel economy from the V8 engine Uncomfortable standard second-row bench seats Inconvenient side-swinging rear cargo door Relatively ponderous handling around turns.
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 ranked #19 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Cadillac XT5 has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros High-class cabin styling and materials Composed highway cruiser Extensive list of advanced safety features available
Cons No meaty engines available Dull handling
Cadillac has changed next to nothing for 2018, introducing only a new optional exterior color: Harbor Blue Metallic (all of the XT5’s available paint colors, save for Radiant Silver Metallic, cost an additional $625 to $1225). The EPA has reduced highway fuel-efficiency ratings for both front- and all-wheel-drive variants, but there have been no actual mechanical updates. On the warranty front, last year’s four-year or 50,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan has been reduced to three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.
Pros Quiet interior, distinctive exterior styling, spacious cargo bay.
Cons Somewhat gruff V-6 powertrain, muddled driving dynamics, busy interior design.
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a solid luxury crossover, but so are its rivals. Shop carefully.
Pros Luxurious ride Strong V-6 engine Quality feel inside and out Good value at low end
Cons Gets expensive fast Forgettable personality Front-wheel-drive dynamics occasionally show through Some frustrating controls
