DecodedCars2018 Lexus GX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 460 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 295–301 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 15 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 5,181 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 36 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 14% below the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 301 hp, versus about 383 hp for similar 2018 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lexus GX is a standard SUV offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,181 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (15 city / 18 highway), 14% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 GX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 GX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Cambridge, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2018 GX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 460 4dr SUV 4WD | 192.1 in | 74 in | 74 in | 109.8 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 5,181 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 18 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 548 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lexus GX.
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lexus GX (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Porsche Cayenne | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Dec 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V831000 · 649 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Not every 2018 Lexus GX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lexus GX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 490 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus GX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GX | 17 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 GX | 17 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 13 |
| 2024 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2023 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2021 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2017 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2016 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2015 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2014 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →