What Are the Best Lexus Midsize SUVs?
Lexus has two midsize SUVs—the RX and the GX—but one is distinctly better than the other.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
Lexus currently has two midsize SUVs on offer: the RX and the GX. While these two models excel when it comes to reliability ratings and well-furnished interiors, the RX offers an all-around better experience.
With a whopping five different SUV options on the market, Lexus is taking advantage of the rising popularity of crossovers and SUVs. Not everyone can fit in a compact crossover though—and not everyone needs a full-size beast. Thankfully, Lexus offers two midsize SUV options: the RX and the GX.
How do you decide which one is best—and are there better options?
Jerry
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broker app, has all the answers right here. We’ll cover the specs for both vehicles, declare a winner, and see how they stack up to the rest of their class—plus, we’ll also let you in on the secret to cheaper Lexus car insurance costs
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Does Lexus have a midsize SUV?
Yep—there are two of them! The three-row Lexus GX and the two-row RX are the current Lexus midsize SUVs, just below the full-size
Lexus LX
in the lineup and a step above the compact NX crossover
and subcompact UX crossover
. The RX has a secret weapon, though—it comes in a longer version called the RX L, bumping it up to three rows of seats, equivalent to the GX. What makes a midsize SUV?
When it comes to sedan sizes, the size descriptors are pretty specific—but for SUVs, it’s more of an imprecise feeling than a hard-and-fast rule. For the most part, a midsize SUV is larger than a compact SUV, but it’s smaller than a full-size SUV.
While the Lexus GX does have three rows of seats, it’s not considered a full-size SUV. In fact, the smaller RX is actually longer than the GX! The GX measures 192.1 inches while the base model RX comes in at 192.5 inches. To put that into perspective, the full-size LX measures 200.2 inches while the popular full-size
Chevrolet Suburban
is 225.7 inches long. Is the Lexus NX a midsize SUV?
No. The popular Lexus NX is considered a compact crossover rather than a midsize SUV. Its shorter wheelbase and smaller cargo space put it between the subcompact UX and the Lexus RX.
RX vs. GX: Which is the best midsize Lexus SUV?
The RX and GX look vastly different on the outside, but are they all that different from each other where it matters? Let’s get into the dirty details.
2022 Lexus RX
MSRP range: $47,070 to $59,260
MPG: 18–31 city / 25–28 highway
Seating for: 5 to 7 passengers
The Lexus RX looks more like a crossover and it feels like one, too. In classic Lexus form, the interior is reliably lush, but the overall driving experience of the RX is pretty milquetoast if we’re being honest.
If you’re looking for something gentle and practical, the RX is your guy. It fits the look of a capable and sporty ride, but it’s not as fun as its main competitors.
The RX starts with a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of 259 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque hauling the RX to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The base RX 350 model is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive—but between two body styles, two powertrains, two drivetrains, and eight trims, you’ve got options.
As we mentioned, the RX also comes in an extended body. With both bodies, you can choose between the standard V6 engine or the 308-hp hybrid powertrain with an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), which brings the standard 23 combined mpg up to 30 mpg combined. Lexus is also offering a plug-in hybrid version for the 2023 model.
None of these will make your RX driving experience feel all that powerful, however—the RX shines in comfort and reliability rather than excitement. The interior is decked with standard synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and even a reclining second row.
The first two rows offer plenty of space to ride in comfort—but upgrading to the L model and riding in the third row tells a different tale. In standard models, you’ll still have 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space to work with when the back seats are folded.
Highlights include:
- Standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa
- Standard power liftgate
- Optional second-row captain’s chairs
- Rear-view camera
- Standard driver assistance features including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning/lane-keep assist, lane tracing assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control
Weaknesses include:
- Tight third-row seating
- Irksome infotainment touchscreen
- Unexciting driving dynamics
MORE:
Lexus RX 350 trunk space
2022 Lexus GX
MSRP range: $57,275 to $66,785
MPG: 15 city / 19 highway
Seating for: 7 passengers
If you’re looking for something a bit more heavy-duty than the RX, the GX may hit the spot. As one of the only off-road capable luxury SUVs, the Lexus GX fills a unique niche—but that doesn’t mean it’s well-rounded. Between its tragic fuel economy, average cargo space, and lackluster acceleration, the 2022 GX isn’t your best option.
All four trim options come set with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, plus the Lexus Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System which has increased traction for all your off-road excursions. The GX was made for the open trail, and you can tell when you’re driving it on paved roads—it’s smooth enough, but the handling could be better.
What could also use some major improvement? The gas mileage. With a combined 16 mpg, the GX is certainly not one of the most efficient options on the market. However, its 6500-pound towing capacity adds to its off-road prowess.
With three rows of seats, the GX will hold up to seven passengers, but those with long legs will want to stick to the first two rows. It’s not all bad, though—the GX boasts a deluxe and quiet interior, decked out with an array of tech features and standard driver-assistance gear. Even the standard model comes with driver's seat memory settings and a moonroof.
Highlights include:
- Rare off-roading capability for its class
- Quiet cabin
- Impressive tow capacity
- Excellent predicted reliability
- Standard synthetic leather upholstery
- Standard proximity keyless entry
- Rearview camera
- Standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rear-seat reminder, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control
Weaknesses include:
- The third-row seat isn’t comfy for adults
- Abysmal fuel economy
- Unrefined handling
2022 Lexus RX vs. 2022 Lexus GX comparison
2022 Lexus RX | 2022 Lexus GX | |
|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $47,070 | $57,275 |
Seating capacity | Five or seven | Seven |
Fuel economy | 23 combined mpg | 16 combined mpg |
Base engine | 3.5L V6 (259 hp, 263 lb-ft of torque) | 4.6L V8 (301 hp, 329 lb-ft of torque) |
Total cargo volume | 56.3 cubic feet | 64.7 cubic feet |
Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 6,500 lbs |
Reliability scores | 85/100 (J.D. Power), 4/5 (Consumer Reports) | 83/100 (J.D. Power), 5/5 (Consumer Reports) |
Safety ratings | 5/5 (NHTSA), Good (IIHS) | N/A |
The bottom line
The RX and GX may share a brand, but they’re pretty different from one another—and the RX has a leg up. With just as much seating, better performance, better fuel economy, and better value, the RX blows the GX out of the water.
Of course, the GX has its place—and it’s certainly the better option if you’re the outdoorsy type—but the RX offers a much nicer package overall.
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Best midsize SUV competitors
The RX may be your best bet for Lexus midsize SUVs, but it’s a far cry from being the best in its class. Here are a few of the top players in the midsize luxury SUV game:
- 2022Porsche Macan($56,250 starting MSRP): Cheaper than the GX and excelling in nearly every category, the Macan is the ideal balance between performance and practicality.
- 2022 Genesis GV80 ($51,295 starting MSRP): Coming in between the RX and GX price points, the GV80 offers all the luxuriousness you could need—from under the hood to inside the cabin.
- 2022BMW X5($61,595 starting MSRP): From power and tech to versatility and swank, the X5 does it all.
How to save on Lexus insurance
One thing the RX and GX have in common? Higher insurance rates. Average
Lexus RX insurance rates
tend to be on par with Lexus GX insurance rates
—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with expensive premiums no matter what. Jerry is a
licensed insurance broker
with over 55 provider partners, which means the customized rates you receive—in just 45 seconds, by the way—are the best of the best. In fact, average Jerry users are able to save over $800 a year!“WOW.Jerryhas been so easy to use. I called a representative when I wanted some clarification, and they walked me through the entire process of finding a new rate for full coverage on my luxury vehicle.” —Beth G.
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