2019 Lexus GX Pros vs Cons

The 2019 Lexus GX is a crossover SUV and luxury vehicle all rolled into one. It has legitimate off-road ability and other utility functions that can compete with anything on the road. It's dressed up in a luxury package that is classy and stylish. Riding in the Lexus GX is a dream. This is due to the posh interior as well as the fantastic ride quality, all thanks to the engineers at Lexus. This crossover vehicle can seat up to seven and offers plenty of cargo space.

What's New For 2019?

The 2019 Lexus GX is part of the second generation of the GX that began in 2010. There aren't many changes this year from the previous models. Lexus has been offering their Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect programs for awhile now. Starting in 2019, these services will be extended for up to 10 years. Lexus has made blind-spot monitoring standard on all GX models this year.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Lexus GX – The Pros

1. A Smooth and Powerful V-8 Engine

The Lexus GX features one of the best power trains available for luxury crossovers. The 4.6 liter, V-8 engine is both powerful and smooth. It provides an impressive 301 hp. It also offers 329 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty enough power for good acceleration and off-road fun. The high amount of torque allows for towing and helps you to get over rough terrain. The engine is mated to a 6-speed, automatic transmission. The system does its job well, shifting smoothly and accurately just when you need it to.

2. Three Rows for Passengers

The 2019 Lexus GX comes equipped with three rows of seats. These can be let down or configured for more storage space if needed. Passenger capacity is one of the best reasons to purchase an SUV or crossover vehicle. The Lexus GX allows you to transport up to seven people.

3. Impressive Off-Road Abilities

Off-road capability is where the Lexus GX really shines. Its real-world ability in this category helps to set it apart from the pack. SUVs may look like they can go off the beaten path, but that's not always the case. This is especially true of the smaller crossovers that are geared towards luxury and comfort. The Lexus GX comes in a 4X4 configuration that can get to wherever you need it to go. This makes it a safer vehicle when driving in rough weather too.

4. A Soft, Comfortable Ride

The 2019 Lexus GX offers a fantastic ride quality. The shocks and entire suspension system work well to soak up whatever the road throws at it. It even feels soft and stable off of the pavement and over rough terrain. Even when loaded down with passengers and cargo, the Lexus GX provides a soft and comfortable ride.

5. Plenty of Cargo Space

The ability to transport a bunch of people and haul around a lot of cargo is why we choose crossover SUVs. The Lexus GX doesn't disappoint in this category. Even with all seats filled, you still get 11.6 cubic-feet of space for groceries or whatever else. If you need to haul more than that, you can let down some of those seats. This gets you a handy 64.7 cubic-feet of storage space for your cargo.

6. A Modern Infotainment System

The 2019 Lexus GX provides a great infotainment system to keep you informed, connected and entertained while driving. The Mark Levinson sound system gives you 17 speakers and over 300 watts of power. Voice command allows you to access most features without removing your hands from the steering wheel. A built-in navigation system helps you to find your destination with ease. You can also easily connect to the system with your phone or other smart devices.

7. Rear Seat Entertainment System

Lexus didn't forget about your rear passengers when it comes to entertainment. They provide a duel-screen entertainment system that can be viewed by all of your passengers in a number of different ways. The color screens provide entertainment in high definition. You can play your favorite DVDs or Blu-Ray discs to keep the kids or whoever else busy on long road trips.

8. Luxurious Interior Appointments

The 2019 Lexus GX spares no expense when it comes to the interior. Rich, soft, high-quality leather can be had for your seat upholstery. Leather trim is found throughout the cabin. Wood trim is available as well on most models. The stitching and construction are impeccable. Everything about the interior screams luxury and high class inside of this Lexus. The dashboard controls are all easily accessible and well designed. Even the smallest components and plastics used are of an unusually high quality.

9. Great Towing Capacity

The Lexus GX V-8 power and torque allow for some impressive towing ability. This is important for a vehicle that is already perfect for long drives. If you need to take a trailer or boar along for the trip, the Lexus GX can handle it with ease. Towing capacity is something you expect from a full-size SUV. It's not always something you get with a smaller crossover. When properly equipped, the Lexus GX can tow up to 6,500 lbs.

10. Impressive Safety Features

The 2019 Lexus GX will keep you and your passengers safe and secure on or off the road. The 4WD, active-traction control makes it a great vehicle to drive on slick roads. It also offers downhill-assist, hill-start assist and crawl control. Rear-view cameras are standard to help you see any potential blind spots while in reverse. Lexus also gives you a wide side and front-monitoring system. There is even a rear cross-traffic alert on all models.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Lexus GX – The Cons

1. The Fuel Economy Could Have Been Better

Traditionally, SUVs never have particularly great fuel economy. This is getting better all of the time, and smaller crossovers tend to be better than their full-size counterparts. With that said, the 2019 Lexus GX is far from having the best fuel economy in its class. The V-8 is powerful and impressive but also quite thirsty. You can expect to get around 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg while driving on the highway.

2. Steering Feels Light

Steering and handling aren't bad at all in the Lexus GX. The steering does feel somewhat light though. This shouldn't be a deal breaker for most drivers. It would be nice, however, if Lexus tightened up the feel of the steering a bit more. With all that is good and enjoyable about driving this vehicle, this is really a minor complaint.

3. Cramped Third Row Seats

The 2019 Lexus GX offers three rows of seats and can haul around up to seven people. Just don't expect the people in that third row to be comfortable. It's quite cramped in that last row. It's fine for children or smaller adults. It can do in a pinch over short distances as well. You just wouldn't want to leave average-sized adults back there for too long. It's not very easy to access the third row either. The front and second rows are fine and extremely comfortable.

4. Operating the Tailgate is Awkward

The tailgate on the Lexus GX swings out to the side. That's not always the best design for loading and unloading an SUV. Oddly, it's also hinged at the right side. This makes opening and closing the back tailgate feel awkward. It can even be more problematic if you are parked close to another vehicle.

How the 2019 Lexus GX Stacks up to the Competition

Three of the top competitors for the Lexus GX are the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40. All three offer a classy style, luxury and SUV utility. The Mercedes offers a bit more cargo space. It has more power-train options too. The Lexus GX comes in at a lower base price. It also wins out when it comes to off-road capability. The performance from the Lexus V-8 is hard to beat.

The BMW X1 offers good value for your money. It has a lower base price than the Lexus GX. The Lexus wins out here when it comes to luxury and interior quality. Once again, the Lexus beats the competition when it comes to off-road performance as well. The Volvo XC40 is yet another budget buy for anyone looking to get a luxury crossover. Again, the lower price comes at a cost when you compare the interior quality to the Lexus. If you want high-quality luxury and the ability to take your crossover off the beaten path, the Lexus GX is your best option.

In Conclusion

The 2019 Lexus GX is simply one of the best luxury crossovers available. You will be hard pressed to find something in the Lexus price range that offers the type of luxury and comfort of the GX. It's also downright impressive when it comes to towing capacity and off-road performance. The V-8 engine of the Lexus is one of the best power plants available for this class of vehicles. If you're looking for a luxury crossover that can do it all, it's hard to beat the new Lexus GX.