The 2019 Lexus GX finishes near the bottom of our luxury midsize SUV rankings. It's a great off-roader with a high predicted reliability rating, but it simply isn't as spacious, modern, or athletic as most competitors.
The 2019 Lexus GX's #16 ranking is based on its score within the 2019 Luxury Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Lexus GX has a score of 7.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 44 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Despite its rankings, the 2019 GX is a good used luxury midsize SUV. It gets decent power from its engine, provides cozy seating in its first two rows, and earns an outstanding predicted reliability rating.
Unfortunately, there are many areas where the GX could use improvement. Its acceleration lacks urgency, and it gets terrible fuel economy ratings. Its ride is so stiff that some people may find it uncomfortable. The GX's cabin looks outdated, and the tech features – while generally easy to use – feel like they're bordering on obsolescence.
We’ve researched 44 Lexus GX reviews, as well as hard data points like reliability ratings and cost of ownership estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.
U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years’ worth of auto industry experience combined. To keep our reviews unbiased, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside company manages our advertising.
Based on listings for the 2019 Lexus GX, the average list price is $43,437. Prices range from $52,505 to $63,905 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.
The 2019 GX’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $39,050, or $7,810 per year. That’s above average for the class.
The 2017 GX, 2018 GX, and 2019 GX are all virtually identical since Lexus made no significant updates to the GX for the 2018 or 2019 model years.
Compare the 2018 and 2019 GX »
Here are the key changes for the Lexus GX over the last few years:
If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 GX, 2017 GX, and 2018 GX reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
The 2019 Lexus GX has a stellar predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.
Read more about GX reliability »
There have been 1 safety recalls issued from NHTSA.
See more information on Lexus GX safety recalls »
The GX 460 is available in three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Each trim has a V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive, and third-row seating. The base trim is decently equipped, making it a good pick. Shoppers looking for more safety features or an auto-leveling air suspension for increased off-road capability need to move all the way up to the Luxury trim.
When new, Lexus offered a lot of options for the 2019 GX. You may be able to find Lexus GX models with features in addition to those listed here.
See 2019 Lexus GX trims and specs »
Lexus offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles five years old or less and with fewer than 70,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Lexus extends its original new-car warranty to six years or unlimited mileage. From the day you purchase or lease your Lexus CPO vehicle, you receive complimentary maintenance covering the next four factory-recommended services for two years or 20,000 miles. Every CPO Lexus must pass a 161-point inspection. Additional benefits like loaner cars, towing, and roadside assistance may be available, so read the Lexus warranty page carefully.
According to our analysis, Lexus has the best CPO program in the industry.
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2019 GX. This is common among luxury vehicles.
Standard advanced safety features:
Available advanced safety features:
The 2019 Lexus RX 350 sits at the opposite end of the GX in our luxury midsize SUV rankings because it's a much better vehicle. The RX 350 has an opulent cabin and a capable V6 engine, and it gets great gas mileage. The RX 350 provides a smoother ride and more standard safety features than the GX. The base RX is a two-row SUV that seats five, but a three-row RX L is available. The GX's only real advantage over the RX in this matchup is its off-road prowess.
The 2019 Acura MDX stands above the GX in our rankings. Like the Lexus, the MDX has standard third-row seating, but it provides a smoother ride, more standard safety features, and a slightly larger cargo hold. Also, the MDX features standard leather upholstery and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, neither of which are available in the GX. Aside from off-road ability, the Lexus has no real advantages over the Acura.
Compare the GX 460, RX 350, and MDX »
All GX models feature a V8 engine, but don't expect this Lexus to radiate power. Acceleration is merely adequate, and it can feel labored with a full complement of passengers or when towing heavy cargo. The six-speed automatic transmission hesitates to downshift at times, exacerbating the acceleration issue.
This Lexus rides stiffly, which some people may find uncomfortable. Handling is composed but hardly agile. However, the GX shines when you head off road, and features like crawl control and traction control help it tackle challenging terrain.
If you're interested in horrible fuel economy ratings, then you'll love the GX. It gets 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, which are the worst ratings in the luxury midsize class.
The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Read more about GX performance »
The 2019 GX seats seven people in three rows. The cabin features plenty of premium materials, including wood trim and perforated leather, but it isn't as stylish or modern as rival interiors. The first two rows of seats are comfortable and provide ample head- and legroom for adults, but the third-row seats are best left for children (the same is true of many other three-row SUVs).
Standard seating features:
Available seating features:
The 2019 GX has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the second-row outboard seats and an upper tether for the second-row middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for ease of use. The tether anchors are easy to find, but the lower anchors are set too deeply in the seats.
The infotainment system isn't as modern as those found in rivals. The touch screen's graphics look antiquated, and the GX doesn't offer smartphone connectivity features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which are available in many rivals. However, the controls are straightforward and easy to find, so the system is fairly user-friendly.
This Lexus has a smaller cargo hold than many other three-row luxury midsize SUVs, with 11.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
Lexus built the 2019 GX in Japan.
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