The 2020 Lexus GX is a rugged luxury SUV for those few who want serious capability in a plush package.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 is probably the most capable off-roader valet parked in front of a swanky restaurant or an upscale shopping center, at least as long as there are no Range Rovers present.

For many buyers, that image is important—even if they won’t use the 2020 GX’s prodigious capabilities. We rate the latest version of Lexus’ seven-seat SUV at just 5.0 out of 10, docking it points for its subpar road manners, tight third row, and massive fuel thirst. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Mildly revised styling up front this year masks a streamlined lineup available in base, Premium, and Luxury trim levels. Lexus pulled some of the more serious off-roady bits previously standard on high-spec GXs and made them available in a single extra-cost Off-Road package, a move we applaud almost as much as the newly standard active safety tech. A revised Sport Design appearance package goes in the opposite direction with taller wheels and zippier styling bits that seem at odds with the GX’s rugged nature.

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All GXs use a 4.6-liter V-8 to shuttle power to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case. The separate ladder frame and coil-sprung solid rear axle—a load-leveling rear suspension is optional—deliver a plusher ride than you might expect, good off-road ability, and a 6,500-pound trailer-towing rating. Handling is a mixed bag of sloppy steering and decent body control afforded by a high-tech hydraulic system that works with massive sway bars to trim body lean.

The GX’s interior has good, but not exceptional space, and the seats are comfortable in the first two rows. The standard third row is kid-friendly, but that’s about it. The side-hinged rear door opens toward curbs, a reminder that the GX shares its design with a Toyota SUV that’s popular in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and New Zealand. Cargo space is on the small side given the GX’s footprint but well-arranged.

After curiously relegating collision-avoidance tech to only the highest trim levels last year, Lexus this year made automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control standard on every GX. 

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 takes a lot of chances, not all of which pay off.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 is like an avant-garde hiking boot. Sure, it exists, but does it work?

We’re not so sure, which is why we land at a 4 out of 10 for its styling. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

This year, the GX’s massive grille has a new texture and design that looks more like the automaker’s sedans. It’s at odds with the bulky upright exterior and bulging fender flares, not to mention that the low-hanging front bumper is a detriment to real off-road use. 

The optional Sport Design package includes 19-inch alloy wheels and dark-finish exterior trim. 

The GX isn’t much pretty at the rear where a tailgate hinged on the passenger’s side is full of awkward lines and curious badge placement.

If the truck’s exterior is somewhat with the times, its chunky dash is a throwback to another era. The short dash sits close to the windshield and is littered with buttons—many of which are cheap-looking switch blanks on low-trim versions that do without the off-road features found on higher-grade GXs. 

At least the available glossy wood trim dresses up the interior to old-school luxury levels.

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The 2020 Lexus GX 460 can go further off-road than many drivers are likely to venture.

It may have a flashy grille, but the 2020 Lexus GX is old-school 4x4 underneath. Its separate chassis, truck-style solid rear axle, and two-speed transfer case read like they’re out of a 1995 SUV brochure because, well, they kind of are.

Still, the 2020 GX does a surprisingly good job with its old-fashioned tools, and we rate it at 5 out of 10. Its soft ride and off-roady bits earn it points that we take away for its lousy steering. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The GX makes use of  a 4.6-liter V-8 rated at 301 horsepower that delivers power to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The GX accelerates smoothly and quietly and can lug up to 6,500 pounds of trailer.

Trick hydraulically controlled sway bars press down on the wheels during hard cornering to reduce body lean on a curvy road, while allowing for more wheel travel on undulating terrain. The system doesn’t mask the SUV’s sloppy steering, though it helps the GX feel more confident and stable. 

This year’s new Off-Road Package pairs four-wheeling goodies previously standard on some trim packages into a line-item option group. For four-wheelers, the off-road traction control modes, low-speed crawl control system, skid plates, and surround-view camera system are must-haves. If off-roading to you is turning off the freeway and into the Neiman-Marcus parking lot, the package is easy to skip.

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The 2020 Lexus GX 460 is plush and spacious, if not exactly fancy inside.

Climb aboard the 2020 Lexus GX 460 and you’ll find a spacious interior for most passengers and plenty of cargo space, though there are some compromises that help us land at our 8 out of 10 score. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The chair-like front seats offer good support and plenty of power adjustment. Rear-seat riders in row two will find good space with either the standard three-seat bench or the individual captain’s chairs aimed at keeping warring offspring from escalating whatever battle started before climbing into the 2020 GX. The third row is a kid-only affair, and it’s a challenge to access for anyone taller than about 5-feet. 

Fold the second and third rows away, and the awkward curb-side-hinged rear door swings open to reveal a modest 65 cubic feet of cargo. That’s lower than many similarly sized SUVs, though the space is wide and liftover is fairly low for an SUV. 

The standard synthetic leather has a durable feel, while the optional hides are typical Lexus-soft. Heated and cooled front seats are standard on most trims and the second row can be heated as an option. The interior isn’t awash in exotic materials otherwise, but the glossy wood trim imparts an upscale appearance in line with asking prices. 

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Newly standard active safety tech finally brings the 2020 Lexus GX up to our standards.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 finally includes active safety tech as standard equipment this year, though a lack of crash-test data means we can’t assign a score. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

This year’s GX comes packed with forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warnings, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors are standard as well. There’s no hands-off steering mode and the truck won’t center itself in a lane, but at least all versions can stop themselves if they detect an impending collision.

The GX also includes 10 airbags, stability control, full-time four-wheel drive, and its front seats are equipped with active headrests that move forward to catch occupants’ heads to reduce the risk of whiplash.

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