Lexus LX vs GX in Battle of Ultra Luxurious Off-Road SUVs
Both the Lexus LX and GX are capable off-roaders packed with capability and features, but which one is best?
These days, thanks to a surge in the popularity of off-roading and overlanding, we’re beginning to see a handful of Lexus LX and GX models modified for off-road duty. This makes a lot of sense given the fact that the Lexus LX is essentially a Toyota Land Cruiser in a suit, while the GX is based on the smaller but also capable Land Cruiser Prado. And even though most people who own these luxurious SUVs don’t ever take them off paved roads, it makes sense for The Fast Lane Off-Road to test their inherent capabilities in that regard.
In all fairness, Lexus set up this little test drive, so it was an easy choice to participate. The automaker has been making a concerted effort in recent years to bring awareness to the fact that these vehicles are great off-road, which makes sense given the hobby’s booming popularity. And right off the bat, both of these big SUVs impress our hosts, in spite of their more road-focused features.
“It just shows you how much sophistication is built into this if you can take a vehicle with 21s (wheels and tires) and make it off-road worthy,” our host says. “The only problem I have with both of these vehicles is – is anybody actually going to take them off-road when they cost this much?” This may be true of the loaded $100k LX, but at the same time, people take their $250k+ overlanding/camping rigs everywhere, so why not?
Both of these SUVs are powered by good old-fashioned naturally-aspirated V8s, both have a low range that makes them great for off-roading, both have air suspensions, and both have third-row seating. The LX can even perform what’s known as “the dig” thanks to a button that applies the brake to an inside wheel to give it a tight turning radius if needed. Other niceties include crawl control and a locking center differential.
In spite of their modest all-season tires, both the LX and GX prove to be rather capable on this off-road test track, even without using all of the electronic doodads. Regardless, TFL points out that a little bit more approach angle is needed to make them more capable, as well as some proper off-road rubber. So the only thing left to ask is, which one is better?
Well, even though TFL likes both the LX and GX, they would actually spend their own money on something else. “If you’re gonna go for the ultimate off-roader, just get the Toyota Land Cruiser,” our host says. “I mean, these are both great and I get why people get them.” On the surface, he has a point, but Land Cruisers are a bit hard to find these days and nearly as expensive as a comparable LX, so we’re not so sure we agree. To us, the GX would be the budget buy, especially used, and the LX is the way to go if you’ve got the means and want all the toys.
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