Compared: 2022 Lexus GX vs. 2022 Lexus LX
The two largest SUVs from Lexus deliver the amenities and quality car buyers expect, but they're far apart in terms of cachet.
Lexus | LX (top), GX
From certain angles the 2022 Lexus GX seems like a slightly shrunken version of the 2022 Lexus LX, and despite a difference in overall dimensions, the GX and LX are both three-row luxury SUVs that boast above-average off-road capability.
The GX is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, an authentically rugged body-on-frame SUV sold overseas that offers four-wheel drive (4WD) and genuine off-road cred. The LX, meanwhile, has been completely redesigned for 2022 and now rides on the same platform that underpins the recently redesigned Toyota Tundra.
Although the two vehicles don't overlap in price within the Lexus lineup, some buyers may be tempted to step up to the well-equipped LX from the capable (but-dated) GX.
Lexus | GX
2022 Lexus GX vs. 2022 Lexus LX: Price
The GX is available in one of four model packages: the base GX 460, the GX 460 Premium, the GX 460 Luxury, and the new GX Black Line Special Edition. Prices range from around $58,000 for the base model to the top-shelf Luxury model at around $67,000.
All versions of the GX feature the same 4.6-liter V-8 engine, six-speed transmission, and 4WD system, so the main differences relate to comfort and convenience features. For example, the GX 460 Luxury includes an air-suspension system that significantly improves ride comfort in addition to an optional off-road package.
The LX comes in five flavors, from the base LX 600 (priced at around $88,000) to the LX 600 Ultra Luxury (with a starting price of about $127,000). All versions of the LX ride on an all-new platform.
They also share the same powertrain: a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine driving all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. There are six drive modes, with the most extreme intended for serious off-road adventures such as rock climbing.
From the GX and LX lines' prices alone, it's clear they're different SUVs. To further hammer home the point, the LX is positioned as one of three flagship vehicles for Lexus, alongside the LS sedan and the LC coupe/convertible.
Lexus | LX
2022 Lexus GX vs. 2022 Lexus LX: Interior
While the GX soldiers along with an interior that could be described as basic luxury, the LX is a premium vehicle. When it comes to standard equipment, the base LX also offers far more than its GX counterpart.
An entry-level GX 460 gets you a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, simulated leather upholstery, an integrated navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Amazon Alexa integration, and seating for up to seven passengers.
The base LX, on the other hand, includes heated front seats, a navigation system, a sunroof, four USB ports, a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a 10-speaker audio system, a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Despite being about the same height as the LX, the GX is shorter by roughly 8 inches and narrower by around 4 inches. These variances mean that the GX fares well in terms of headroom but not so well when compared with the LX's legroom and shoulder room.
This tends to affect mainly the second- and third-row passengers. For example, third-row legroom for the LX is about two inches larger. As far as cargo space is concerned, the GX maxes out at 64.7 cubic-feet, while the LX rolls with 71 cu-ft.
Lexus | LX
2022 Lexus GX vs. 2022 Lexus LX: Fuel economy
In fuel economy, the GX suffers from its reliance on older tech. Even though the LX is a heavier vehicle — by about 500 pounds, depending on the specific variants being compared — its twin-turbo V6 engine is more fuel efficient than the GX's 4.6-liter V8. EPA numbers report the LX earns 19 mpg compared to the GX's 16 mpg.
All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Mark HackingMark Hacking is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years experience covering the automotive scene for some of the world's most popular publications. Mark holds an FIA International Race license and has his sights set on competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the future. He was the first automotive journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge series (in 2013) and the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy series (in 2019).
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