For 2020, Lexus updates the GX’s styling and interior, makes its driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies standard rather than optional, and adds a new Off-Road Package to the optional equipment menu. Otherwise, this midsize premium SUV is largely the same vehicle it was when last redesigned for the 2010 model year. GX is Refined yet rugged, plush yet potent, the Lexus GX is a luxury vehicle built upon a durable and capable traditional SUV platform. Model: 2020 Lexus GX
MSRP: from $53,000
MPG: 15 city / 19 highway
Horsepower: 301 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Towing capacity: 6,500 lbs
Engine: 4.6 L V8
Exterior
With no more than a glance, the 2020 GX is immediately recognizable as a Lexus. Though it remains boldly proud of its jutting snout, the redesigned grille and new triple-beam LED headlights with signature L-shaped running lights bring greater cohesion to the SUV’s styling. Also, with the Sport Design Package, bigger 19-inch aluminum wheels help to fill the GX’s wildly flared fenders.
Nevertheless, the Lexus GX remains a love-it-or-hate-it proposition.
Interior
Lexus makes two changes to the GX 460’s interior for 2020. The first is replacement of the Mahogany wood trim in the Premium and Luxury trim levels with a trendy new gray Sapele wood. Also, a new Rioja Red upholstery color is available, complete with a black headliner.
Otherwise, the GX’s interior remains the same. Equipped with an analog cabin in a digital world, the GX’s controls, switchgear, and comparatively remedial technology reveal the SUV’s advanced age more than anything else. At the same time, fans of buttons and knobs will be in heaven, especially since the GX’s controls are clearly labeled and easy to use.
Seats
Equipped with Luxury trim and the Sport Design Package, the test vehicle included seating for six people and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated, and both the driver and front passenger benefitted from seat ventilation.
Shorter people might find the GX a bit of a climb to get into, but this Lexus is comfortable once you’re inside. It doesn’t offer front seat massage, though, and the range of adjustment is limited compared to many other midsize premium SUVs.
Adults relegated to the third-row seat will be unhappy, especially since access to them is awkward at best. Most suitable for children, this seat is located alarmingly close to the GX 460’s tailgate, which means you might want to think twice about carrying youngsters back there.
Storage and Space
Given that versatility is important to Lexus GX buyers, the lack of cargo utility is a concern.
First, the rear tailgate swings from left to right, making it a real burden to use when parked parallel to the curb with other vehicles close behind. Second, there is little cargo space when the third-row seat is raised. You can line up grocery bags, and that’s all. Space measures 11.6 cu.-ft., but that figure is only relevant if you’re stacking items. Third, maximum cargo space measures 64.7 cu.-ft. This isn’t much for a midsize SUV that weighs more than 2.5 tons.
Most people are likely to use the GX with the third-row seat folded down. So configured, it holds a generous 46.7 cu.-ft. of cargo. Note, however, that the load floor is high, making it more difficult to load heavy items.
Interior storage is not generous, either. The center console bin is adequate, but otherwise, there are few places to stash things. This is especially true given that the glove box is stuffed full of vehicle documentation such as the thick owner’s manual.
Visibility and Safety
If storage and space do not impress, visibility is excellent all around. Tall glass, large side mirrors, and various camera views help to make the GX maneuverable. However, the low-resolution reversing camera is another example of the SUV’s old technology, resembling grainy security camera video after dark.
For 2020, Lexus makes several driver assistance and collision avoidance features standard for the GX. They include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Lexus Enform Safety Connect is also standard, free for the first 10 years of GX ownership. It provides automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and quick access to roadside assistance.
Like the rest of the GX’s technology offerings, these systems are basic rather than advanced. The adaptive cruise control does not operate at low speed and cannot bring the SUV to a stop let alone accelerate again after stopping. The forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems use the same chime, making it hard to discern which feature is attempting to get your attention. And that chime is irritating, prompting disuse of the lane departure warning technology.
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