2022 Lexus GX Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Available in four models, the 2022 Lexus GX exhibits elegant craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering. Offering six or seven seats, this luxury SUV boasts posh materials and sophisticated amenities inside a spacious cabin. Families will get extra peace of mind from the standard Lexus Safety System+, Lexus Enform Safety Connect, 10 air bags and active front head restraints. For its lavish platform, the 2022 GX has incredible off-road capabilities thanks to a full-time 4x4 drive, limited-slip differential and a handful of other exclusive mechanical hardware.

What's New for 2022?

The 2022 Lexus GX Black Line Special Edition is an all-new trim that comes with high-end styling and exclusive amenities. This elegant model is available in Nori Green, Starfire Pearl and Black Onyx exterior colors. Covered in Gloss Black, 18.0-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels are standard on this unique edition. Updated for a more intuitive experience, the 10.3-inch multimedia system is packed with smartphone-friendly applications. Some premium amenities that have been standardized on the 2022 GX model include the Intuitive Parking Assist and power-folding exterior mirrors with heating.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Lexus GX – The Pros

1. Powerful Standard Engine

The 2022 GX taps into a total of 301 horsepower from a 4.6-L engine block. Standard on the entire lineup, this V-8 powerhouse cranks out a maximum of 329 pound-feet of torque when burning premium unleaded fuel. Utilizing the classic dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology for efficient operation, the 32-valve powertrain earns a towing rating of 6,500 net pounds in compliance with the latest SAE J2807 rules. For its powerful design, the default V-8 gas engine offers a respectable driving range of approximately 440 miles on the highway as defined by the EPA.

2. Superb Off-Road Capability

Running on a full-time 4x4 drive system with the Active Traction Control (ATC) technology, the 2022 GX confidently tackles off-road trails. Carrying the trademark Torsen design, a limited-slip center differential splits torque that comes from the six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) system. The driver could select one of five driving options from the exclusive Multi-Terrain Select system, including the Mud & Sand and Rock & Dirt modes. Traction is also optimized by the lockable transfer case, which operates on low or high ranges depending on the real-time driving conditions. Accessible from the M-TS interface, the unique Mogul Mode eliminates any guesswork for handling this full-size Lexus SUV on low-traction surfaces.

3. Robust and Adaptive Suspension System

Installed by default on the 2022 GX, the trademark Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) reduces body roll, yaw and other lateral instability on and off the road. Exclusively developed for the Luxury trim, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) instantly responds to the slightest disruptions in the chassis. This lavish model rides on an auto-leveling rear air suspension system that quickly reacts to the surface of the ground in real time. All models are bolstered by a four-link rear suspension system with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Configured into a double-wishbone arrangement, the standard front suspension system has a fully independent design.

4. Comfortable Seats With Easy Adjustments

Delivering 10-way adjustability, the 2022 Lexus GX's standard front seats cradle and cushion the entire body. Recalling the preferred positions for the driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors, the signature Lexus Memory System creates on-demand adjustments. Configured into a 40-20-40 layout, the seats in the middle row have sliding and reclining mechanisms. Likewise, the seats in the third are available with power-adjustable reclining and flat-folding functions. This full-size Lexus SUV offers up to 64.7 cubic feet of interior cargo volume behind the first-row seats.

5. Sumptuous Interior Design

Having synthetic composition for economical and environmental purposes, the proprietary NuLuxe textile is nicely integrated into the 2022 GX's cabin. This leather-like, eco-friendly material may be swapped for genuine semi-aniline leather upholstery with deep dyes and an array of perforations. Taking unique inspirations from classic Japanese styling, the Open-Pore Ash Wood trim embellishes the high-end Black Line Special Edition. The rich Grey Sapele Wood trim and shiny aluminum finish create a sophisticated blend inside the lavish cabin of this Lexus SUV. Illuminated door sill scuff plates and black headliners further enrich the vehicle's opulent interior design.

6. Elegant Exterior Appearance

The 2022 GX exits the factory in up to seven alluring colors, including Nightfall Mica, Black Onyx and Starfire Pearl. Adopting the Sport Design, the front fascia comes with the Dark Gray accents. A touch of Satin Chrome surrounds the lower grille for distinctive contrast. The high-tier Black Line Special Edition boasts several exclusive exterior decorations, such as the Dark Chrome grille surround and Dark Chrome rear license plater garnish. Fog lamp bezels and the valence design further accentuate the upscale exterior design of this all-new model.

7. Multiple High-Resolution Displays

Perched on top of the 2022 GX's dashboard, the standard 10.3-inch touch screen generates images in high resolution. The highly responsive display offers a pinch-to-zoom capability for enhanced views of maps and other content. Showing crisp visuals in the instrument cluster, the color multi-information display keeps the driver updated on a variety of mechanical and safety settings. Linked to a camera that's installed under the vehicle, the innovative Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) enhances the driver's confidence on off-road trails. By looking at the real-time videos on the Multi-Terrain Monitor, the driver might evade stationary and moving obstacles on rough landscapes.

8. Easy Smartphone Connections

Optimized for iPhones and Android smartphones, the signature Lexus App makes it easy to manage the 2022 GX's multimedia system and other electronics. When inside the cabin, the driver could sync a smartphone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Capable of recognizing millions of phrases, the Dynamic Voice Command technology is synced with Bluetooth-enabled devices and the GPS navigation console. Amazon Alexa is another advanced app that takes an array of commands from the driver or front occupant. Additionally, this full-size Lexus SUV has a total of four USB ports for quickly charging mobile devices.

9. Proactive Safety Technologies

Sensing an impending crash with pedestrians or cars, the 2022 GX's Pre-Collision System could apply the braking system with maximum force. Active at speeds above 30 mph, the High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adjusts the throttle system and brakes accordingly. This three-row Lexus SUV has the Lane Departure Alert, which automatically comes on when the speedometer exceeds 32 mph. Lateral collisions might be avoided thanks to feedback from the Blind Spot Monitor. Parallel parking will be easy with assistance from the Intuitive Parking Assist, which includes several sensors on the bumpers.

10. Brilliant Exterior Lighting

Employing a triple-beam layout for maximum illumination, LED headlamps are standard on the 2022 Lexus GX. Washers also prevent any dirt and other debris from clogging the premium headlamps. Fitted with powerful LED bulbs, fog lamps are installed on the Premium and above editions. This upscale Lexus SUV comes standard with illuminated running boards for extra convenience at night. Adding cosmetic appeal and enhanced visibility, scarlet taillamps are optional on this luxurious family car.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Lexus GX – The Cons

1. Low Fuel Economy

As a three-row SUV that prioritizes luxury over efficiency, the 2022 Lexus GX naturally has gas-guzzling design. Based on EPA guidelines, this premium Lexus model gets only 15 mpg in the city. Despite being a Certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, this large family car has a highway fuel efficiency of just 19 mpg. A 0.35 drag efficient and body-on-frame construction certainly contribute to the car's poor fuel efficiency on any road.

2. Slow Acceleration

Weighing 5,126 pounds, the 2022 Lexus GX isn't known for its agility and other sporty capabilities on the road. This bulky SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds on dry pavement. Offering only six gear speeds, the standard ECT-i system simply doesn't have any settings for quick acceleration and other nimble movement. Designed for a top track speed of only 110 mph, this sluggish three-row vehicle isn't built for thrill-seeking drivers. The full-time 4x4 drive system also delays the delivery of maximum torque to the front wheels during a takeoff.

3. Base Model Offers Basic Comfort

For its expensive MSRP, the 2022 Lexus GX base trim lacks a handful of standard interior conveniences for year-round comfort. Having a default dual-zone HVAC system, the entry-level model isn't available with a tri-zone unit. An expensive optional package is required for the addition of heated and ventilated front seats. Heating for the second-row seating isn't available at all for the base model.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

Available with the All-Mode All-Wheel Drive, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 gets good traction on wet or dry pavement. However, this signature AWD system doesn't offer multiple settings for conquering unpaved trails. When equipped with the Multi-Terrain Select, the 2022 GX surely reigns supreme in off-road performance. By looking at the Multi-Terrain Monitor, the driver will command this Lexus SUV with good composure on any rough landscape. Primarily built for urban environments, the INFINITI model doesn't offer any forward-facing cameras that scan trails.

2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Acura MDX

Whipping out a total of 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, a 3.5-liter engine block moves the 2022 Acura MDX. Prioritizing efficiency over output, this V-6 powertrain is much less powerful than the 2022 GX's standard V-8 powerplant. Tuned for sporty driving on paved surfaces, the MDX's Super Handling AWD isn't suitable for off-road trekking. Fitted with a standard 4x4 drive and the Active Traction Control, the Lexus SUV is a much better option for off-road enthusiasts. A 5,000-pound towing rating is another specification that exposes the Acura MDX's inferiority mechanical capabilities.

Conclusion

Spacious enough for a family of six or seven, the 2022 Lexus GX delivers an amazing blend of interior comfort and off-road skills. The Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select and Active Traction Control are some innovative technologies that help this full-size SUV conquer any trails. A 6,500 towing capacity is another major highlight that will surely attract adventurous buyers. Tech-savvy consumers will find an abundance of convenient connectivity options from the updated Lexus Enform multimedia system, which includes a 10.3-inch monitor with multi-touch input and voice recognition.