The 2021 Lexus GX 460 may not be a dinosaur in the same way as the Ford F-150 Raptor or the Ram 1500 TRX, but it is a dinosaur nonetheless. While it’s certainly plush and comfortable, this Lexus model feels a little dated and lacking in ultra-modern tech-rich features. But for the right families who like taking things off the beaten path from time to time, the 2021 GX is a dynamic luxury SUV that shines off-road.

If you desire a luxury SUV that feels a bit like a truck, this is it. Driving the 2021 Lexus GX 460 gives you a tall stance behind the wheel. Its size and height are both felt when accelerating and turning. However, there are areas where it really shines. So while it may be a bit of a dinosaur, it’s also a dynamic beast in several ways too.

Is the 2021 Lexus GX 460 a good SUV?

If you usually only have 4 people in the car, the 2021 GX is great. The Luxury model I have in review currently has a nice open cockpit with comfortable chairs. Then in the rear, this luxury SUV boasts large captain seats. The two seats in the third row are essentially for emergency carpool use only.

With the rear row of seats in position, you lose all of your cargo space. That said, for my family of two adults and two children in child safety seats the 2021 Lexus GX 460 hauled us all where we needed to go. The rear cargo is plenty spacious with the third row folded down. Plus, that third row is also easy to stow at the touch of some easily accessed buttons––one set in the rear and one near the shoulder of the second-row seat.

This luxury SUV is a truck through and through

If the 2021 Lexus LX is a stately gentleman, then the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is the Chuck Bass of the Lexus lineup. It’s a little more rugged and mischievous––and perhaps a bit more confused about who it is than the larger LX.

That said, there’s no denying that this thing is a truck. Luxurious and decadent as the red leather interior trim is, the 2021 GX drives like a truck, feels like a truck, muds like a truck, and guzzles gas like one too. It’s playful yet classic enough to hold true to the Lexus staples of reliability and rugged performance. The V8 power is robust but sluggish––think brontosaurus. Strong and mighty, but not winning any races.

Some will love the exterior styling of this SUV, tall and boxy with a sleek new grille. However, other buyers prefer something a little more low to the ground. Even with the air suspension adjusted to the lowest ground clearance, the 2021 GX also feels like a truck to climb into.

Is the Lexus GX the same as a Toyota 4Runner?

The answer to this common question is no. While these corporate cousins do share some similarities, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is actually built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Unfortunately, we don’t get the Prado here in the states. So buyers looking for something comparable will want to turn to the 2021 GX.

Still, some may end up in a Toyota 4Runner instead. However, if you want a brawny off-roader with a V8, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is the luxury SUV you’ll want to check out. Overall, for such a dinosaur the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a dynamic companion.

While it may not accelerate quickly or crouch low around corners, it’s a great off-road vehicle for those that frequent dirt roads or enjoy getting a little mud on the tires. It’s the perfect alternative to a Land Rover SUV for those who place reliability high on their priority list as well. It’s certainly not for everyone, but the 2021 Lexus GX 460 is the perfect dynamic dinosaur for the right person––especially if you like going off-road.