2008 Lexus GX [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 40 GX reviews and test drives.
Lexus GX - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lexus GX ranks 4 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus GX, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The GX ranks near the top of its class for delivering elegant Lexus styling and features in a package fully capable of going off-road.
The 2008 Lexus GX, which comes in only one trim (the GX 470), is a luxurious sport-utility vehicle that gives its drivers a dose of classiness with the ability to venture off the beaten path. Forbes describes the GX as "a large SUV that's posh, powerful and strikes a balance between on-road refinement and off-road ruggedness." The GX is virtually unchanged for 2008. Some reviewers note that the GX has now been around for several years without a significant redesign. Others say that the GX might be aging, but it isn't outdated.
- "Despite the current trend for manufacturers to build SUVs based on car chassis, Lexus has decided it can hold true to its original truck-based sport-utility roots with the GX 470, keeping its first-rate off-road abilities but refined to offer capable on-road dynamics at a price around $45,000." -- Road and Track
- "In the GX 470, rugged clearly does not mean outdated, and that goes beyond the entertainment choices." -- New Car Test Drive
GX Performance - 7.7 (Good)
Our analysis shows that the 2008 Lexus GX offers a smooth ride with capable off-roading abilities, assisted by its powerful V8 engine and full-time four-wheel drive. In a comparison test with several other luxury SUVs, Car and Driver reports that the GX "never feels truckish. In fact, it delivered a ride almost as plush as the Acura's and BMW's, with plenty of suspension travel for even the worst two-tracks." Ultimately, the GX placed fifth out of the eight SUVs tested. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why test drivers love the GX's quiet V8 engine. continue
GX Exterior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2008 GX has one of the lower rankings in its class for its exterior, based mainly on the fact that it hasn't been updated in a while. "Beauty, of course, is in the eye of the beholder, and these eyes see both the Bimmer and the Benz as better-looking than the Lexus, which has that Toyota truck boxiness," says the Los Angeles Times. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn why reviewers complain about the GX's rear door, or check out our Lexus GX Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
GX Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Most find the Lexus GX's interior luxurious and upscale. Its cabin ranks near the top of the class. The 2008 model seats five but can fit three more in the optional third row. Car and Driver notes that "despite this SUV's creeping age, the interior remains as plush as any, with Bentley-quality leather seats, genuine bird's-eye-maple trim, and a tilting-and-telescoping wheel slathered in leather and wood and stitched as tightly as a Spalding baseball." Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers love the base and optional stereo systems, or check out our Lexus GX interior photos. continue
GX Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released crash test ratings for the Lexus GX, but reviewers generally approve of the safety systems on board. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn more about this equipment. continue
GX Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Lexus GX reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The GX has a basic warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the Lexus reputation for reliability. continue