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 Porsche Macan is unchanged.We like the balance of price and performance you get in the Macan S. It has more capability than you'll likely ever need, yet it is still tame enough for daily driving. As for options, the Premium Package Plus is a good place to start since it adds a nice grouping of desirable equipment without getting too fancy with the customization possibilities.
PROS Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice Most athletic and engaging to drive SUV in its segment Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride Long list of options means you can customize every last detail
CONS Must pay for numerous stand-alone options to get full-featured cabin Less rear-seat and cargo space than segment competitors
The 2018 Porsche Macan ranked #4 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Porsche Macan has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding acceleration Nimble handling and quiet ride Posh interior User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Subpar fuel economy Undersized cargo hold More expensive than most rivals
The 2018 Porsche Macan is the performance pick among compact crossovers because of course it is. Purists may scoff, but we don’t much care.
Pros Breathtaking speed from a small crossover Plenty of optional goodies GTS model hits a performance sweet spot Fit and finish is perfectly Porsche
Cons Gets expensive in a hurry Oddly shaped cargo area Did we mention it can crest six figures? No manual transmission. Don’t even ask. Back seats aren’t really all that spacious
