SUVs are some of the top sellers for automakers at the moment, but that’s not the case for everyone. The sales figures for Toyota and Lexus are both out, and there are two SUVs that both have the same poor numbers. So which two SUVs are they, and why are they not performing that well?

These two Lexus SUVs aren’t performing so well

Lexus has had a good year so far. Toyota reports its luxury division has had a 6% increase in sales when compared to 2022. The Lexus UX and GX had nothing to do with this good news, however. In fact, both had a loss of 12% compared to the same period last year.

The raw data makes things a little clearer, and reveals that the GX is actually the more popular model. It sold 6,370 vehicles in 2023 and 7,255 in 2022. In March, it saw growth of 15.5%, since it sold 332 more models in 2023.

The UX, by comparison, sold only 3,643 models in 2022, and this dropped to 3,192 in 2023. This is only half of what the UX sold, and March 2023. The UX sold 216 fewer vehicles than it did in March 2022. 

By comparison, the RX, NX, and LX did very well. The RX saw a drop in sales, but it was only three percent. The NX sold 54% more vehicles than in 2023, and the LX had an increase of 182%.

Even though the Lexus UX is a subcompact SUV and the GX a three-row, it wasn’t enough to sway buyers. It may have to do with the fact that the SUV division is rather crowded at the moment, and there’s a lot of competition. 

Many automakers are having to up their game in order to maintain sales, and Lexus is no exception. The 2024 GX is getting redesigned, and anyone who has seen the photos of the coming SUV may be waiting to buy it instead of going for the 2023 model.

The 2023 Lexus UX

It’s kind of surprising that more people aren’t buying the 2023 Lexus UX, because it’s a hybrid with an MSRP of $36,690. The infotainment system is detested by many owners, but there’s enough good about the UX that this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

The inline-four 2.0-liter isn’t exactly that powerful of an engine, but when you pair this with the electric motor, it’s decent enough. It also gets 43 city and 41 mpg highway, which is stellar for a none fully electric vehicle.

Sun roofs are optional, while a back-up camera, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are standard. There are several safety features that many drivers crave, like blind spot monitor, cross-traffic alert, and lane keeping assist that are also standard. 

The 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX starts at $59,275, and has a 4.6-liter V-8 engine. When it comes to fuel mileage, it gets a mere 15 city and 19 highway. However, it can tow an impressive 6,500 lbs.

Lexus’ choices about what is optional and what is standard is a little strange for the GX. For example, a sunroof, MP3 player, and Wi-Fi Hotspot come standard. In contrast, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera are optional.

Lexus is big into safety, however, and offers several features that you won’t have to cough up extra money for, like blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

The 2023 Lexus GX is a great off-road vehicle thanks to full time 4WD, hi-lo gear selection, center limited slip differential, center locking differential, and descent control. It’s also got a smooth on-road ride thanks to the fact that it’s a Lexus.