2015
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Lexus GX

Unlock Ratings
At this point in time, most luxury SUVs had evolved into pampering on-road transport for their well-heeled buyers, backing away from off-road prowess and their truck-based roots. So does that make the Lexus GX a dinosaur? Nothing is "crossover" or "car-based" in this old-school vehicle. Consider the GX a Toyota 4Runner that was sent to finishing school, earning straight-A's when it was there.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2015
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Lexus GX

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
Road Test

At this point in time, most luxury SUVs had evolved into pampering on-road transport for their well-heeled buyers, backing away from off-road prowess and their truck-based roots. So does that make the Lexus GX a dinosaur? Nothing is "crossover" or "car-based" in this old-school vehicle. Consider the GX a Toyota 4Runner that was sent to finishing school, earning straight-A's when it was there.

Impressive off-roading capability is emphasized over the ungainly everyday handling agility. At least it remains secure when pushed to its limits. But what you're likely to experience on your commute is a very comfortable ride, which combined with a plush and very quiet interior contribute to a high level of refinement. The silky smooth 4.6-liter V8 engine delivers quiet, effortless punch but 17 mpg is unimpressive. Despite being built on a truck-based frame, tow ratings fall short.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
4WD
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 4.6-liter V8 (301 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Lexus GX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"The Entire Infotainment center went completely blank. No radio, GPS, Backup camera. Lexus however is terrific and replaced no questions asked!"

Devin K., IL (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"very poor reception, combined with system inability to keep track with no reception result in the system losing track of the vehicle position."

Gideon S., WA (2015 Lexus GX 4.6-L V8)
Radio

"Navigation and Radio replaced due to failure to work while driving on expressway"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

"Poor sound quality - broken speakers?"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Lexus GX 460 4.6-L V8)
Routine software updates

"cannot update"

Anonymous, CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)
Voice control commands

"When voice dialing, it would pick up a number from a contact in my directory below the contact I was trying to call and show it as the right name but with the wrong number. The phone has always worked fine manually using touchscreen but not by voice"

Anonymous, BC (2015 Lexus GX 460 4.6-L V8)

"Many times the system does not recognize my voice and I have to repeat myself many times. Also, when the fan from the A/C or heat is on, the voice control commands does not pick up my voice."

Anonymous, IL (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Interior ceiling panel rattles when car is in motion. Seems like the adhesive used has failed. Dealer merely pushed it up and it briefly re-sealed for about an hour. Back to rattles"

Anonymous, OR (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

"While driving, a whirring sound upon acceleration was reported to dealer.... no repair found or cause determined"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

"Developed a rattle in the back that has been difficult to diagnose. They removed and reattached all of the carpet and trim. Then last week they adjusted the back door and the latch. This seems to have finally solved the issue, but we'll see."

Randy A., TX (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

"Recurring squeak in suspension after extensive body repairs. Dealer and body shop cannot find source and it remains a problem."

Chuck L., CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)
Wind noise

"having owned lexus sedans in the past I expected the suv to be comparable"

Phil B., CA (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"Emergency breaking locked up"

Jacquelyn E., FL (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)
Premature brake wear

"The brakes wore out prematurely"

Anonymous, NM (2015 Lexus GX 460 4.6-L V8)

"Needed a complete brake job, new pads and turn rotors at 35,000 miles. The previous Toyota 4 Runner went 85,000 miles with the same driver before requiring such service??????"

Chuck L., CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

"Required 2 complete brake jobs, 1st at 35,000 miles and 2nd at 80,000 miles. Her former vehicle went 85,000 before needing brakes."

Anonymous, CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"From day one Caster alignment was bad, resulting in difficult steering which was most noticeable in high speed. It took two years till the dealer finally fixed it for charge. multiple complaints were dismissed as Everything is Fine. After we investigated the problem we asked the dealer to do alignment; in particular to fix the Caster angle, which we paid for, and it took them half a day to get it right."

Gideon S., WA (2015 Lexus GX 4.6-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"Left strut leaking. Need to replace now."

Anonymous, WV (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"check engine light ON, caused by cylinder #4 cold start misfire. One time only, no recurrence"

James M., GA (2015 Lexus GX 4.6-L V8)
Engine knock or ping

"The engine surges and makes lots of noise. Took to dealer and they could not find anything. Still does it"

Ron P., SC (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"Water pump failed and started leaking at 85,000 miles."

Anonymous, CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

CV joint

"Required a new CV joint boot that was explicitly excluded from extended warranty coverage. $750 seemed excessive."

Chuck L., CO (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The front right exterior panel behind the headlights is loose. Apparently it is connected to the next panel with plastic clips which broke."

Anonymous, WV (2015 Lexus GX 460 Luxury 4.6-L V8)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"replaced once and rebuild once in pass 6 mos"

Lawrence S., NY (2015 Lexus GX 4.6-L V8)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Battery cables

"With an aftermarket battery from a reliable brand (Interstate) had a couple of failure-to-start occurrences. Troubleshot it down to a seemingly tight positive post battery connection - where the cable is completely tightened but not making consistent connection because the connector is slightly too large for the post. Negative post connector fastener wasn't bottomed out as was the fastener for the positive post connector. Solved the problem by "staking" the post - using a nail set to misshape the soft metal a bit so the connector would fully engage without the fastener bottoming out."

Anonymous, NM (2015 Lexus GX 460 Premium 4.6-L V8)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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