DecodedCars2021 Lexus GX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 460 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 301 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 15 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 5,181 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 20 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 15% below the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 301 hp, versus about 434 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 / 19 highway), 15% worse than the 2021 standard SUV average of 18.8 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 GX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 GX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2021 GX configuration; 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 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $5,150 | 542 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Lexus GX.
Similar 2021 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus GX (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2021 BMW X5 | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Lexus RX | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus GX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Lexus GX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Lexus GX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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 |
| 2020 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2018 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 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 →