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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2022 Lexus GX: A Luxury SUV in Need of An Update
The 2022 Lexus GX offers some needed updates to the large SUV. Are they enough to justify the price? We look at interior, powertrain, trim levels and more.
What’s New for the 2022 Lexus GX?
New for the 2022 Lexus GX is a Black Line Special Edition with dark trim and unique bumpers both front and rear. In addition, a 10.3-inch infotainment system makes its debut alongside integrated navigation, heated exterior mirrors, and a parking assistance feature.
2022 Lexus GX – pressroom.lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus GX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Real off-road capability
Excellent visibility
Quiet cabin
Frustrating infotainment interface
Limited cargo space
Poor fuel economy
We’d love an all-new GX
2022 Lexus Specs
- 301 horsepower from base engine
- 329 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 11.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 64.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Big new 10.3-inch screen
- New parking assistant feature
- Long 6-Year Powertrain Warranty
- Towing capacity of 6,500 lbs
2022 Lexus GX Powertrain
Since this generation of the Lexus GX arrived in 2010 it’s used a single unchanged drivetrain. It consists of a 4.6-liter V8 that develops 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It then sends that power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic. Despite the fact that it’s somewhat archaic by modern motor standards, it’s a reliable and robust unit that delivers fair passing power and more than enough torque to off-road without worry.
Lexus also includes its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). Over smooth terrain it allows the anti-roll bars to work as any other conventional ARB would but over rough terrain it can relax those bars or even disengage them altogether until the vehicle is back on smooth pavement. In our experience the system has both some bright spots and some dim ones.
For example, the KDSS is sincerely impressive off-road. Maybe not as good as the Toyota 4Runner, but it’s not far off. The additional wheel travel it affords make for a much more surefooted experience than one might have without the KDSS. Sadly, on the road, the entire vehicle feels numb and somewhat disconnected.
The 2022 Lexus GX is a large SUV too so it’s slow to stop, slow to change direction, and ultimately, slow to accelerate too. The V8 isn’t weak but it’s not refined enough to keep up with modern SUVs. In addition, the ride isn’t as smooth as we’ve experienced in rivals like the new 2023 Genesis GV80 or the Infiniti QX80.
Towing & Payload
One aspect of the GX that’s a little frustrating is the limited cargo space behind the third row. Thankfully, Lexus has imbued this SUV with a 6,500-pound towing capacity so owners can add whatever toys and gear they might need behind the vehicle in or on a trailer.
2022 Lexus GX Fuel Economy & MPG
When this GX first came out, the engine was considered more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. Some 12 years later it’s been bypassed by most of the field. According to the EPA it gets 15 mpg in the city and just 19 on the highway for a combined score of 16. It’s possible to find an SUV with even worse fuel economy but most of the time it’ll have twice the horsepower of the GX.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Once again, age plays a role in the interior design of the GX. Overall, the cabin is simple and straightforward without any modern eye-catching design flourishes. Despite that, we think most customers will like how easy it is to get accustomed to. A bevy of physical buttons and switches make for easy control of all primary functions. Second-row occupants also get physical climate controls and third row passengers have their own climate vents.
We also love visibility in all three rows. The front seats are set high and allow for a commanding view of the road with almost no blind spots. The second-row seats are a bit harsh but still provide passengers with a great view out. Finally, the third row is the least comfortable of the trio but we bet that most kids won’t notice the tough cushioning. Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag.
There are plenty of small storage solutions littered through the cabin but if you’re planning to fill the GX full of people you’ll be limited to less than 12 cubic-feet of space behind that third row. Thankfully, for those who can fold the third row, there’s some 46.7 cubic feet behind the second row. Buyers who need even more space can tow a trailer or just look at a larger SUV like the Cadillac Escalade or the GMC Yukon Denali.
Entertainment & Technology
We’re glad to see Lexus add a larger and more modern 10.3-inch infotainment system to the GX for 2022. Frustratingly, it’s tied to a trackpad that is harder to use than one might expect. Thankfully, not only is the screen itself touch sensitive but it’s also equipped with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Those systems work well and alleviate some of the annoyance with the stock system’s user interface.
In addition, buyers can opt for a premium Mark Levinson audio system equipped with 17 speakers. It provides excellent clarity and range. The GX also has a small digital display situated between the analog instrumentation that drivers can use to get additional information on the vehicle diagnostics. No fully digital display is available and no heads-up display is either.
Safety Features
The NHTSA has not given the 2022 Lexus GX460 any public crash test rating. For its part, the IIHS has tested the SUV but not given it any awards after that testing was completed. Regardless of test scores, the GX does come with an impressive safety suite of advanced technology. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane-departure warning and more.
2022 Lexus GX Trims & Pricing
Base – $57,275
Every GX comes with a 301-horsepower V8, a six-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. In addition, the base gets LED headlights, a 10.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, integrated navigation, Amazon Alexa integration, faux leather upholstery, and Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. It also gets parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward collision mitigation.
Premium – $58,610
The Premium trim adds LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, automatic wipers, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Black Line Special Edition – $60,385
The new Black Line trim gets special bumpers in front and back along with dark chrome exterior trim, black-accented 18-inch wheels, a black ash wood-trimmed steering wheel, and a black headliner.
Luxury – $66,785
The Luxury trim adds 19-inch wheels, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a power-folding third row, and a self-leveling adaptive air suspension. Buyers can also add a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a surround-view camera system, second-row captain’s chairs, and an off-road package.
Warranties
Every GX starts out with a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty. On top of that Lexus provides a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. That’s just a touch above average in the segment and it gets even better because Lexus also covers the first year or 10,000-miles of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2022 Lexus GX – pressroom.lexus.com | Shop 2022 Lexus GX on Carsforsale.com
Those who are dead-set on buying a 2022 Lexus GX should keep an eye out for new-car incentives that could make it a much better value than it is at MSRP. As it stands in its field, it’s simply too out of date to be a sincere competitor for now. For as much as the base GX costs you could get a Genesis GV80 or a Volvo XC90. Each of those has a better warranty package, more modern technology, and a more fuel-efficient powertrain.
