2010 Lexus GX
- 2009 Lexus GX
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Lexus GX - What the Auto Press Says
The GX receives a long-overdue redesign for 2010 and continues to offer elegant styling and luxury in a unique off-road package. However, that package is expensive -- and most people would probably be better served by a less expensive crossover SUV.
This is the GX’s first redesign since its market debut in 2003. With the addition of a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine, it becomes the GX 460. It also comes with new exterior styling, an updated interior design and seating for seven with a standard third row. Even as consumers demand more crossover vehicles, the GX continues on as a body-on-frame SUV and shares a platform with the redesigned 2010 Toyota 4Runner.
Though the GX’s on-pavement ride can’t compete with its smoother-riding crossover rivals, reviewers still appreciate its unique place in the market. The GX is one of just a few three-row luxury off-roaders. But that combination of opulence and rugged capability will cost you -- the GX is one of the most expensive SUVs in its class, second only to the BMW X6.
The base model starts at just under $52,000, while the Premium costs nearly $57,000. In addition, the GX’s estimated 15/20 mpg fuel economy rating is nothing to write home about. Automobile Magazine calls the GX “a niche product, just the ticket for longstanding Lexus devotees and a great alternative to the Land Rover LR3 but otherwise an expensive indulgence with limited appeal."
If you have your heart set on a rock crawler, also consider the Land Rover LR4, which replaced the LR3 for 2010. It comes with an even more powerful V8 engine and a more spacious optional third row -- and it costs about $3,000 less than the GX (even with the $1,150 third row). However, its 12/17 mpg fuel economy rating is the lowest in its class.
If you don’t need an off-road vehicle, consider a crossover -- a car-based SUV that will improve fuel economy and on-pavement ride quality. The seven-seat Audi Q7 starts at about $5,000 less than the GX and boasts a similarly upscale cabin. Though its base 14/19 mpg fuel economy rating is low, trading up to the turbodiesel model gets you a nearly best-in-class 17/25 mpg rating -- and you’ll still save about $1,000 as compared to the Lexus.
The 2010 Lexus GX 470 comes in two trims -- the base and Premium. In keeping with the GX’s truck heritage, both come standard with four-wheel drive.
- "Those wanting true all-around versatility and luxurious three-row accommodations for that amount will probably find a better fit in the larger and more powerful Toyota Land Cruiser, while the Land Rover LR4 carries more cachet with old-luxury fans and off-road purists.” -- Car and Driver
- "If you're one of those relative few who needs a hard working SUV that will coddle you in a quiet, plush cabin while busting trails and hauling heavy loads, take the GX 460 for a test drive...and don't worry about stopping should the road end." -- Edmunds
- "Despite hiccups like a rear door that's hinged on the right so that it swings toward the curb, and a rear window that swings up instead of dropping down (as does the 4Runner's), the GX 460 is a capable SUV. And it is, considering its off-road prowess, among the best luxury SUVs out there for people who need to go where paved roads don't." -- Popular Mechanics
- "There are still buyers out there who want the comfort of a midsize luxury SUV, plus off-road capability, towing capacity, and three-row seating. This is a vehicle that caters to that group, and does so better than ever before." -- Truck Trend
- "For those of us who do not drive over anything worse than a gravel road and do not tow a boat, the GX is overkill.” -- Examiner.com
- “Yes, it's remarkably capable off-road. And yes, it's a good answer for people who want little more than towing capacity, build quality, and three rows of tech-heavy seats. But why does the phrase ‘affordable luxury’ have to mean anodyne [dull] styling? Or, for that matter, prehistoric chassis technology?" -- Jalopnik
GX Performance - NA
For a truck-based SUV, the 2010 Lexus GX offers a smooth ride. On top of that, it's a very capable off-roader and boasts a powerful V8 engine. For this year, it comes standard with a system that automatically varies the suspension based on the terrain. However, the GX’s truck-based platform still keeps it from truly competing with its car-based competitors, including the Audi Q7. "Given its underlying structure, the GX's ride is more truck-y and firm than most car-based crossovers,” confirms Car and Driver. Read More
GX Exterior - NA
The 2010 Lexus GX gets a much-needed exterior update that gives it a more muscular look. Most reviewers appreciate the new styling since the previous model hadn’t been updated since 2003. "Exterior highlights include meatier grille bars, a more elegant front to side surface blend, and a more dazzling headlamp cluster,” writes Automobile Magazine. Read More
GX Interior - NA
The 2010 Lexus GX's downright opulent cabin is one of its strengths. For 2010, its optional third-row seat becomes standard, which means the GX seats seven. Unfortunately, that third-row seat is cramped for anyone but children. Another interior flaw is the GX’s sheer number of controls, which can be daunting at first. “The GX460 doesn't disappoint in features and amenities,” concludes Car and Driver. “Sure, there's some button overload up front, with numerous controls on the steering wheel and a peppering of suspension and four-wheel-drive switches on the center console, but the GX is well-appointed." Read More
GX Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released crash test ratings for the Lexus GX, but there are plenty of safety systems on board, including an impressive number of airbags. The GX even offers hi-tech safety options including an extensive wide-view monitor system. Read More
GX Reliability - NA
The 2010 GX has a basic warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Read More