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 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros Generous list of standard features Comfortable and spacious rear seats Lower base price than many competitors
Cons Difficult-to-use infotainment system Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways. Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out. It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros Eye-catching design Refined interior Solid power Available hybrid Standard safety tech
Cons Polarizing looks Expensive with options F-Sport rides very firmly No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
