Introduction
Lexus SUV Comparison shows there is some decision fatigue as each model plays to a different set of customer types. The NX is the compact player, the RX is our 5 seat luxury SUV that does it all, and the TX which weaves in third row seating for larger families. Also in the mix we have the GX and LX which are full size body on frame SUVs for buyers that want towing and overland travel while still getting luxury inside.
Your choice of which is best for you depends on what you value most. If you mainly use it in town the NX or RX may be ideal. For families that require three rows the TX is a good option, also if you are into towing heavy trailers or hit the trails often we recommend the GX or LX. Also note that Lexus’ range includes gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options from a few different models which gives the buyer more choice.
Lexus SUV Models Compared
The five SUV models we offer range in size and function. The NX is the compact of the group which also includes the largest in the RX which doesn’t grow into a large 3 row model. We designed the TX with family in mind which includes extra seating and storage solutions. The GX is all about off road performance, and the LX brings in top of the line luxury with the power to back it up.
Lexus presents a variety of powertrain options for their buyers. In the case of the NX and RX we see that those vehicles have the gas, hybrid, as well as plug-in hybrid models available, also the TX provides gas, hybrid and also includes the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid version. As for the GX that comes with twin turbocharged V6, also we find for the LX twin turbocharged V6 and also a hybrid model in the form of the hybrid LX 70.
Lexus NX: Top of the Class Compact SUV.
For shoppers looking for a more compact luxury SUV which is also an easy go at the wheel and to park the NX is your best option. With its small size it does very well in city driving, but also comes with a premium fit out and top tech that is expected in a high end SUV. Also you have a few powertrain options available with it.
The NX 350 has a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine which is different from the NX 350h that features traditional hybrid tech. If you want a plug in option you may go for the NX 450h+. This makes the NX a very versatile choice for small families that want luxury, efficiency, and compact size.
Lexus RX: Best Overall Choice.
The RX is what you go to if you are looking for the best of the best in Lexus SUVS in this comparison. It features five passenger seating, more room than the NX, a very comfortable ride, and a choice of powertrains. The RX 350 presents you with gas power, the RX 350h with hybrid which is more efficient and the RX 450h+ which adds in plug in capability.
For many homes the RX has ample room for passengers and cargo which the larger TX, GX, or LX do not provide. Also it is a great choice for long distance travel due to its comfortable interior and how well it drives. If you are in the market for a Lexus SUV that does it all with regard to daily commute, family trips and everyday driving the RX is very hard to pass up.
Lexus TX: Best for large families.
The TX is for consumers that want a three row option. In terms of design it may seat up to 7 people which makes it a better choice for larger families as compared to the NX or RX. Also it features flexible cargo space which you get when the rear seats are folded in, thus you have room for all types of things like luggage, groceries, sports equipment and other items.
The TX 350 has a turbocharged four cylinder engine, also the TX 500h which puts out turbocharged power along with hybrid tech. The TX 550h+ plug in hybrid brings in three row versatility along with electric power. Also the TX is able to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped which makes it a great choice for family trailers and recreation gear.
Lexus GX: Best for Off Road use and Tow capacity.
The GX is a vehicle for those looking for serious performance. We see that the GX breaks from the design of the NX, RX, and TX which it’s based on; the GX has body-on-frame construction and full time four wheel drive. Also it features a twin turbocharged V6 that puts out 349 horsepower and some models are equipped to tow up to almost 9,000 pounds.
Off road performance is what the GX does best. We see this in features like Multi-Terrain Select and in the design of the Overtrail equipment which is specific to the GX. It is the best choice for people that put their vehicles through tough terrain, go on out of the way trails, or tow heavy loads.
Lexus LX: Best for Premium Luxury.
The high point of the Lexus SUV line up is the LX which also sets the bar for premium luxury and serious capability. The 600 version of the LX runs on a twin turbocharged V6, the 700h includes hybrid tech which in turn puts out 457 net combined horsepower. Also the LX is equipped to tow up to 8,000 pounds.
In terms of luxury the LX outdoes the rest of this SUV field. What it offers in terms of trim and tech is based on how you configure it but you can expect premium leather, wood trim, mass zero gravity seats, the latest in tech, and a high end Mark Levinson audio system. Also the LX is for the buyer which is after a top of the line ride that still has the capability to handle rough terrain and do heavy towing.
Size, Seating, and Cargo Space
The NX is the most compact in the group and does best with individuals, couples, and smaller families. The RX brings in more passenger and cargo space but still is a five seat SUV. The TX goes into the three row class and is the best choice for families which regularly transport more than five people.
The GX we see to be a three row vehicle that is put together in many different configurations, also it is a rugged design which means it is more about performance. The LX is a larger vehicle with very luxurious seats. For those that have family practicality as their top priority the TX is the better option, the GX and LX however do better when capability is of equal importance.
Hybrid, Gas, and Plug-In Hybrid Choices
Gas diesel models are for people that want what they are used to at the pump and great performance which also doesn’t include the hassle of plugging in to charge. Hybrid models offer better efficiency in terms of efficiency which you don’t have to do anything with regards to charging. Also Lexus is offering hybrid versions of the NX, RX, TX, and LX which gives buyers many options to reduce fuel use.
Plug in hybrids are available in the NX, RX, and TX. In short trips these vehicles run on electric power and for longer trips they run on gasoline. The NX 450h+ which we put forward for families of four, the RX 450h+ which is a midsize balanced option, and the TX 550h+ which brings plug in to the three row SUV segment.
Towing and Off-Road Capability
The GX is the top option for towing in this group which we have seen to go up to a 9,000 pound max with proper equipment. The LX does up to 8,000 pounds of towing, and the TX up to 5,00 which is a lot less. The NX and RX are really best for day to day driving versus heavy duty towing.
Off road performance is a like story. The NX, RX, and TX are mostly road oriented crossover SUVs. The GX and LX feature rough terrain engineering, full time four wheel drive, and specialized off road equipment. If you don’t leave paved roads often, the crossover models are your best bet, but for serious outdoor enthusiasts we recommend the GX or LX.
Which Lexus SUV Should You Choose?
The NX is what we have for compact luxury and easy every day drive. For those looking for it all the RX is your car which also has five seats, is very comfortable and comes in many powertrain options. If you are part of a large family that requires three row seating and versatile cargo space you’ll want the TX.
The GX which we find does better in the towing and off road categories, also the LX is the top of the line choice if you are after the most luxury with that said still great functionality. As you make up your mind, look at what your passenger and cargo requirements are, what kind of environment you will be driving in, what type of fuel you prefer and how much you do in the way of towing. For a full run down of the options check out the official Lexus Lexus SUV models.
Conclusion
There is not a one size fits all Lexus SUV. The NX does best in the compact luxury category, the RX has the best all around, and the TX puts out the most family oriented three row option. The GX is the specialist in towing and off road performance, while the LX presents the most opulent and feature rich option.
For the most part the RX is what we recommend to most families because it does a great job of combining comfort, practicality, efficiency and luxury without extending too far in size. That said for the larger families we suggest the TX, also for serious off road enthusiasts and for those that do a lot of towing we would go with the GX. If you’re not as concerned with price as you are with what the top of the line Lexus has to offer in terms of luxury and capability then the LX is the ultimate in the range.
