Lexus is already projecting a record year of sales for the third-generation GX and after driving it, we have no reason to question this prediction. Pricing starts at $62,900 (excluding a $1,350 destination fee) for the base Premium trim, meaning the Land Rover Defender is the only close rival to the GX in terms of price. The Defender is technically cheaper, but it starts as a two-door model with a four-cylinder, so it’s not directly comparable. A more similar Defender 110 with the inline-six engine starts at $67,900, meaning the Lexus is actually less expensive.
Stepping up to the Premium+ brings the price to $67,900, while the Luxury and Luxury+ models are $75,900 and $79,900, respectively. For our money, the Premium+ seems like the best bang for your buck. The Overtrail is the same price as the Premium+, exchanging features for off-road capability, while the Overtrail+ adds more luxury for $75,900.
The new GX 550 is more expensive than the outgoing GX 460, but it’s improved in every way so that increase is logical. Lexus hasn’t had a product this exciting since the original LS 400 launched alongside the luxury brand back in 1989, offering S-Class luxury at a much lower price. The GX offers everything that buyers love about the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, now with fabled Lexus reliability. Europe better watch out – Lexus has arrived… again.