If you’re in the market for a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV), this 2022 Lexus LX vs. 2023 GX comparison provides two top-tier options with plenty of performance and amenities. These two full-size Lexus offerings have been remarkably similar in years prior, but the latest model years ushered in changes in these two sibling SUVs.
The Lexus GX remains unchanged compared to versions released in the last couple of years, if you’re fine with that. Or, should you opt for the throwback, truck-like body-on-frame GX or the completely overhauled, more contemporary LX?
Let’s see how the Lexus LX and GX compare.
Engine and Power
The Lexus GX enters with the same engine as the last few years – the 4.6 Liter V8, which comes as the standard and only engine package for the new GX Lexus across all trim levels. This workhorse delivers 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft of torque.
Before this year, the LX Lexus featured a 5.7 Liter V8 engine as its standard offering, but this makeover includes a new motor. Even with a smaller displacement of the new 3.4L V6 in the LX, the results are similar to the 5.7L days. You would assume the LX would give up power to the GX. However, the twin-turbo installed in this new V6 says otherwise, generating 409 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft of torque that easily dwarfs the otherwise beefy V8 of the Lexus GX.
In a head-to-head 0-60 MPH test, the LX bests the 4.6L GX by a time of 6.1 seconds to 7.2. If you’re looking for a vehicle with superior towing performance, the LX also takes this one in the bag with its a maximum capacity of 8,000 lbs. to the GX’s 6,500 lb. capability.
In the category of powertrain and drivetrain, the GX sports a six-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD compared to the 10-speed automatic of the LX, also AWD standard. However, the GX does feature the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which, when coupled with the six-speed automatic, yields significant traction during offroad excursions.
The LX doesn’t afford the same off-road performance and suspension as the GX, but it’s not enough to tip the scales in favor of the latter. With the power of the LX and AWD, it still won’t have any problem navigating more challenging terrain – it just may not do it as smoothly or gracefully as the GX .
Regarding the Lexus LX 570 vs. GX regarding power and performance, the LX Lexus emerges with an easy victory.
Winner: LX
Fuel Economy
With the increased power of the 2022 LX, you would expect it to place second to the Lexus GX SUV in terms of fuel economy, right? Wrong. This is the blessing of switching to the 3.4L V6 with a turbocharger. Lexus was able to achieve great fuel economy combined with power with the LX.
The LX checks in with a superior fuel economy of 17-city and 22 highway MPG. Its counterpart achieves 15 MPG in the city and 19 on the highway. This is enough to make a difference in saving money at the fuel pumps.
You’ll pay slightly more to fill the GX Lexus up with the 23-gallon capacity tank compared to the 21.3-gallon tank of the LX. If you calculate an average commute of 60 miles to and from work daily, you will save almost $3,000 per year by driving the LX.
Winner: LX
Exterior
Comparing the Lexus LX vs. GX exterior features, some of the most significant changes for the LX took place in this category. When you dive into the exterior characteristics of these two SUVs, things get a little more interesting.
These two are identical in height, standing at 74.2-inches each. The LX has a slightly wider wheelbase, measuring 112-inches compared to the 109.8 GX. This is surprising, considering the GX is marketed and built more for offroad performance, which would usually result in a shorter height and wider wheelbase.
Both come standard with a sun or moonroof, running boards, and rear spoilers. The GX Lexus comes standard with front and rear offroad tires, while the LX sports front and rear performance tires. Depending on your primary use of these SUVs, one may be more advantageous than the other.
In our opinion, considering not many people would use a Lexus for off-roading, the performance tires of the LX make more sense from a safety and durability standpoint. Both have aluminum wheels, but the GX is the only one with the option to lock the wheels.
If you stick with the off-road theme, this will give the advantage to the GX, but we’re not really too keen on off-roading in a Lexus. Even so, this feature could potentially come in handy if you’re driving in heavy snow.
Both SUVs come with a trailer hitch receiver, giving them hook-up capabilities if you need to haul a trailer, boat, or camper.
The body-on-frame construction of the GX is similar to the older body style of the LX before this year’s change. This is a dated design as vehicles shift more toward efficiency and do away with the imposing tank look. However, it does make the GX capable of rolling over any obstacle that steps in its path. Luxury and cosmetically speaking, the LX comes out on top, but performance and off-road-based, the GX takes the win.
Both come with stock LED lights, heated power-adjustable mirrors with integrated turn signals, and daytime running lights. The GX comes with LED lights on the running boards, which is a cool technical and visual feature.
The Lexus LX vs. GX comparison in the exterior category yields a result that’s too close to call. Honestly, it all depends on what you’re after with usability. If you’re into off-road performance, the GX exterior wins, but if you’re into luxury and pure cosmetic value, the LX is superior. Because of this dynamic, this category results in a tie.
Winner: Too Close to Call
Interior
In this comparison of the interior of the Lexus GX vs. LX, we take a look at interior dimensions, comfort, and technology/features.
Interior Dimensions
The interior dimensions of the LX and GX are close in terms of passenger space, but in cargo terms, the LX reigns superior. Cargo volume to seats one, two, and three all result in 71 cubic feet for the LX. On the other hand, the GX yields 64.7 cubic feet to seat one, 46.7 to seat two, and 11.6 to seat three.
If one of your primary concerns is cargo space, the Lexus LX is a much better choice.
Winner: LX
Comfort
We believe that passenger volume has more relevance in the comfort category so we’re bringing up the dimensions under this subcategory. When it comes to seating capacity, the GX has the edge over the LX with the ability to seat seven compared to five and also offers three-row seating.
The front row head room in these two SUVs is practically identical, with 38-inches available in GX compared to 37.8 in the LX. Front leg room follows suit with 41.7 inches in the GX and 41.1 in the LX. However, the shoulder room and hip room in the GX measure 55.4 and 56.5 inches, respectively, and 61.4 and 59.6 inches are available in the LX.
The second row head room, leg room, shoulder room, and hip room on the GX measure 40.4, 34.1, 57.3, and 55.2 inches. The LX measures up at 38.9, 36.6, 58.8, and 58.8.
The third row leg room on the GX provides 29.3 inches. The standard version of the LX only has two-row seating. However, upgraded trims elevate the LX from two-row to three-row, which boosts the seating capacity to seven instead of five.
Winner: Lexus GX
Technology and Features
Starting with the essential interior convenience features, the table below demonstrates what comes standard in each model and which features come exclusive to a particular model.
The LX contains quite a few more interior conveniences that the Lexus GX either doesn’t have or only offers optionally. Most notably, the remote engine start, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and fog lamps aren’t available as an upgrade or in any trim level of the GX.
Regarding interior luxury and technology, the GX yields a basic-looking cabin without much to be excited about cosmetically. The second row seats are flat and hard, providing a little cushion for the passengers.
However, the technology features of the GX Lexus aren’t lacking, as the base model comes with a nine-speaker audio system and a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, standard versions also come with Bluetooth Capability and SiriusXM radio. Optional features include integrated navigation and a dual-screen rear entertainment system with a 17-speaker audio system.
Alternatively, the LX comes with a wide-open cabin and cockpit area with a huge center console with plenty of storage. Quilted leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped dashboard that comes in a peanut butter color with an authentic wood trim look make the interior of the LX immaculate.
As impressive as the GX technology features are, the LX once again tops its effort. The LX comes with three standard displays in the base model – an 8-inch gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment setup, and a 7-inch screen for climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with onboard Wi-Fi and wireless charging capabilities.
As for the LX’s upgraded entertainment package, how about a 25-speaker sound system?
Winner: LX
Safety Features
When it comes to the safety features of the Lexus GX vs. LX, these two are neck and neck. Both SUVs come with a loaded suite of safety and assistive features, including:
- Standard emergency braking systems with pedestrian and bicyclist detection
- Standard lane departure warning system with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control packages come standard in both
Winner: Too Close to Call
Price Point
The 2022 Lexus GX comes in four different trim levels with the following price points:
- Base Model: $57,200
- Premium: $58,535
- Black Line Special Edition: $60,385
- Luxury: $66,710
The 2022 LX comes in five different configurations broken down in the following prices:
- Base Model: $88,245
- Premium: $96,345
- F Sport: $102,345
- Luxury: $104,345
- Ultra-Luxury: $127,345
The Lexus GX comes at a substantially more modest price point, providing drivers an option more focused on a budget. However, it comes down to whether the GX even provides what drivers are looking for regardless of the price. The LX may be priced higher, but in this case, you certainly get what you pay for.
Winner: Lexus GX
Which One Should You Buy?
When it comes down to it, the 2022 Lexus LX vs. GX could come down to personal preference. But even then, we have a hard time picturing anyone with the budget for the LX selecting the GX. In almost every category, the LX dominates the GX, especially where it counts the most – performance, fuel economy, and convenience/technology.
You could potentially make a case for the GX being a suitable option for drivers on a budget or anyone explicitly looking for something with off-road options. However, if you’re going to spend $60,000 and you’re a diehard off-road or four-wheel drive enthusiast, there are far better options with way more features than the Lexus GX.
Even if you genuinely have the goal of purchasing a luxury SUV but don’t have the budget currently for the LX, the smart move would either be to save until you can afford the LX or choose a manufacturer with luxury at a lower price point – maybe like an Acura or something similar.
The bottom line is that the GX hasn’t had any major feature upgrades in ten years – and it shows. One year of changes in the Lexus LX blows the GX out of the water – and with relative ease.