Reliability is one of the most significant factors considered before selecting any car, truck, or SUV. Some people think this affordable used Lexus SUV is one of the best in the business, but where did it land among the competition? The 2018 Lexus GX was built to be the “work to weekend” luxury sport utility vehicle that did it all, and in many cases, it lived up to those expectations. In other cases, it fell short.

The 2018 GX is an affordable used Lexus SUV

When U.S. News listed some affordable used SUVs for 2023, the 2018 Lexus GX was one of the best options. J.D. Power gave the Lexus SUV a high reliability score of 91 out of 100. With off-road capability and plenty of space in the cabin, there isn’t much to dislike about the GX. While it looks like a full-size SUV, it sometimes sits in the luxury midsize SUV category.

The weird thing is that it came in almost last out of 19 other luxury midsize SUVs. With good reliability and a luxurious cabin, why did this affordable used Lexus SUV score so low in its segment? With a cost of around $46,000 to $52,000, the 2018 GX doesn’t come cheap. It also lost some points for comfort, which was a surprise. Lexus SUVs are known for on-road and in-cabin comfort, but the interior fell short for this year.

Even so, the V8 engine has enough horsepower (301, to be specific), but the 4.6L V8 can feel sluggish at highway speeds. This Lexus SUV provides consistent power while off-road and has 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space.

For a used Lexus SUV, the GX checks all the boxes

This affordable used Lexus SUV has room for seven passengers with a small third row. Shoppers can choose from the GX 460, GX 460 Premium, and GX 460 Luxury trims. A rearview mirror is standard, but the most important advanced safety features are only optional. Finding one with forward collision warning, automatic braking, and automatic high beams might be hard, but it is worth it. The following year had more standard features, but 2018 lacks in that area.

In an old press release from Lexus, the automaker called the 2018 GX 460 SUV a “full-capability luxury SUV with advanced dynamic control systems.” The press release continued that this was a work-to-weekend vehicle that was good for all weather situations and had seven comfortable seats.

In today’s world, a full-capability SUV means the ability to casually traverse highways and grocery store parking lots while also offering the ability for an off-road excursion.

Lexus

Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and stiffer stabilizer bars helped reduce body lean on and off-road. The Available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) uses electronically controlled dampers to adjust to different situations on the road. Drivers can choose from Normal, Sport, and Comfort modes to further customize the Lexus GX.

While it isn’t cheap, the Lexus GX has plenty to offer

When it comes down to it, the GX is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable used Lexus SUV. A reliable three-row SUV that is off-road capable and still under $50,000 is a lot of boxes to check, but the 2018 GX 460 does it all pretty easily.

The luxury midsize SUV category is quite competitive and full of good options, so it isn’t that alarming the GX was at the back of the pack. It provides plenty of space and comfort, both on and off-road. Even though this affordable used Lexus SUV has a reputation for being a plush family vehicle, that isn’t exactly a bad thing.

The Lexus GX is a compelling choice for those seeking an ultra-reliable SUV that can handle both the daily commute and occasional adventures. With its sophisticated design, luxurious interior, and off-road performance, the Lexus GX offers a well-rounded package for discerning shoppers in the midsize luxury SUV segment.