2021 Lexus GX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2021 Lexus GX offers a unique blend of luxury and power that stands out in the crowded SUV market. With frame construction similar to pickup trucks, it is well-equipped for offroad adventures while providing a smooth ride. Its powerful engine packs an impressive amount of horsepower, driving you forward with authority on any terrain or road type - all inside its spacious cabin designed to fit seven passengers comfortably. Take charge of your travels like never before with this distinctive expression in automotive engineering excellence.

What's New for 2021?

After almost two decades of service, the reliable Lexus GX SUV has been modernized to keep up with its competitors. Amazon Alexa is now a standard feature within the infotainment system, while there's also the option for a heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel on select trims. For those looking to take their experience even further, Lexus offers an enhanced Premium Plus package - granting access to power-operated seating in all three rows plus upgraded audio components that would normally come as part of more expensive Luxury models.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Lexus GX – The Pros

1. A Good Amount of Power

The 2021 Lexus GX comes packed with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, giving drivers 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque! All that power is delivered seamlessly through its 6-speed transmission -making it the perfect vehicle to help you conquer tough terrain while still providing an enjoyable ride. Though fuel efficiency may be sacrificed for performance in the GX, rest assured your drive will never come up short on capabilities.

2. The Right Size

Many consumers need larger vehicles so they can accommodate passengers, cargo, or both. The 2021 GX has more than enough space for the majority of prospective buyers. Leg room in the middle row is about 34 inches, and the third row provides almost 30 inches of leg room for two passengers. Total cargo capacity is nearly 65 cubic feet when all the rear seats are folded down, and there are roof racks that can be used to secure bulkier gear.

3. Pick a Favorite Configuration

If you're looking for extra space, opt for the Lexus GX's captain chairs in its middle row - they'll not only provide additional room to move around, but also accommodate six people. However if more seating is required, simply fold down the 40/20/40 configuration bench seat and allow an easy access way into that coveted third-row spot! Seconds later everyone can be buckled up and on their way.

4. Can Be Used for Hauling Cargo

The Lexus GX is an elegant SUV with exceptional hauling capabilities. Its sturdy body-on frame construction allows it to tow up to 6500 pounds of cargo, rivaling the strength of some pick-up trucks! Whether you need help transporting heavy items from point A to B or require long distance transportation for business needs - this vehicle will get your valuable goods safely and securely where they need go.

5. Cabin Is Sophisticated

It goes without saying that consumers would expect a Lexus to be nicely appointed. The new GX doesn't disappoint, as it has either synthetic leather (NuLuxe) or natural leather seats. The front seats are power-adjustable, and they can be heated and ventilated. Illuminated door scuff plates are an option and can add to the overall ambience, and passengers will appreciate it if the available heated second-row seats have been installed. A power moonroof is standard, helping the SUV feel more bright and airy.

6. Exterior Look Can Be Enhanced

All trims of the GX come with illuminated running boards and premium LED headlights. Plus, the model manages to look graceful and athletic at the same time. If anyone prefers a vehicle with a more unique appearance, there are some available finishes. The Sport Design Package includes a dark gray finish on the front fascia and rear valance, a gunmetal finish on the exhaust tip, and dark gray 19-inch wheels.

7. Prioritizing Safety

Lexus is dedicated to keeping its customers safe while they're on the road. As part of that commitment, every GX comes standard with their exclusive Safety System + package – an advanced suite of monitors and components aiming to be proactive in protecting drivers. Features like adaptive cruise control maintain a consistent distance between vehicles for optimal safety, automatic high beams respond intelligently depending on the situation, and Intuitive Parking Assist safely guide you through tight spots without worrying about scratches or dents from collisions. On top of this, blind spot monitoring plus rear cross-traffic alerts help enhance driver awareness during tricky maneuvers.

8. Go Off-Roading

Conquer the Trails in a Lexus GX. Boasting all-wheel drive and active traction control, this capable SUV can take you through an array of conditions with its powerful engine. If off-roading is your plan, consider outfitting it with the Off-Road Package – featuring Crawl Control plus protective shields for both fuel tank and transmission oil as well as optimized driving modes to make terrain like sand or snow even more accessible.

9. Navigation Available on Every Trim

Navigation is a sought-after component. It can be so convenient to have a mapping system built into a vehicle because this saves people from having to keep looking down at their phones for directions. The higher trims come standard with navigation, and the base model can be upgraded with a Navigation Package. It includes Lexus's Enform Destination Assist program, which is basically a 24-hour concierge service that can be used to find specific locations like restaurants and landmarks.

10. "Enform" Will Inform Drivers

Lexus uses Enform technology. This allows people to access certain mobile apps through the screen in the vehicle. Amazon Alexa is also included so that people can look up all kinds of information. Voice recognition makes it easier to access and control certain features on the infotainment system.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Lexus GX – The Cons

1. Guzzles Gas

Despite the growing trend for more eco-friendly vehicles, the Lexus GX remains an outlier. With a city mpg of 15 and highway at 19, its combined mileage dips to just 16 - far from impressive! Still, if what you're looking for is power over economy this SUV will be worth considering in spite of its gas guzzling habits.

2. No Other Engine Available

The GX offers drivers the choice of one engine only. While this can be a pro or con depending on your preference, it limits people who are looking for value and those seeking greater power from their vehicles; unfortunately making both groups less than satisfied with their options when considering the GX model.

3. Where Are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Anyone shopping for a new vehicle will have heard about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, these components are not a part of the 2021 Lexus GX even though they're widely found on other vehicles, including some of the most affordable ones. It doesn't really makes sense to leave out this type of smartphone compatibility, especially since many other Lexus models have these programs.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

It's hard to find too many disadvantages in luxury SUVs. The market is crowded, but there are some ways in which the Lexus GX pulls ahead of comparable vehicles.

2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The GMC Yukon is a beast on the roads and comes with two available engines. However, it doesn't have the refinement that the GX has. Its base model only has cloth seats, and that lowest trim doesn't come with available heated and ventilated front seats like the GX does. Also, many versions of the Yukon have third rows that are smaller than the one in the GX.

2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Infiniti QX80

First of all, Infiniti's QX80 is much more expensive than the GX is. Even in the luxury market, price matters. People have to pay more for four-wheel drive; otherwise, rear-wheel drive is standard. When set up with four-wheel drive, the QX80 does even more poorly than the GX does with fuel economy. In the city, the Infiniti earns only 13 miles per gallon, so its monthly gasoline bill is pretty much guaranteed to be sky high.

Final Thoughts

With its high quality all-wheel drive system, the 2021 GX provides a luxurious driving experience and is more than capable of conquering difficult terrain. Offering three distinct trims levels with plenty of additional packages to choose from, customers can personalize their ride without breaking the bank. For those looking for an upscale SUV that offers ultimate navigational accuracy - adding navigation as one of many options might be just what you need.