The GX 460 is one of the last vehicles standing in the new-car market with truck-based underpinnings and mid-size dimensions, and it frankly is brilliant regarding some of its mission and horribly with other parts.
With its adjustable suspension and KDSS, the GX does handle off-roading without making sacrifices in highway ride quality, and it's among the better vehicles for that.
However the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL450 have a more confident feel on the road, with the Audi's strength being its beautiful interior, while the GL has such a composed ride and quiet interior.
With their available TDI diesel engines, the GL-Class, Q7, and Touareg are fuel-efficient and great for towing.
The VW Touareg is slightly more off-road-oriented, and doesn't offer a third-row seat, but it's otherwise a stout, impressive vehicle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was redesigned last year, and it now has top-notch performance and refinement—at a lower price than the Lexus.
All of these vehicles have a more versatile layout, and easier cargo loading ability; if that's what matters, the GX's side-opening hatch and high cargo floor can be deal-breakers.
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 2012 Lexus GXBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Audi Q7Browse Used Listings |  2012 Jeep Grand CherokeeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz GL ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Volkswagen TouaregBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2012 GX 460 is a good pick for those who need the serious towing ability of a body-on-frame SUV, along with the refinement of a Lexus. But gas mileage is dismal, and it has some pretty critical packaging flaws that limit its usefulness. |
The 2012 Audi Q7 has what upscale suburban families want: a lavish interior, a cabin full of premium features, and performance and ride that are very carlike--plus serious towing ability if and when you need it. |
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee only gets better this year with the addition of the SRT8's thundering HEMI V-8. |
With rugged styling, fairly nimble handling and diesel economy, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can charm the mud right off a Land Rover Range Rover. |
The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg offers refined powertrains, excellent interior comfort, as well as a luxurious feel--although it carries a luxury-class price tag for a mainstream brand. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $53,245 | $46,250 | $27,195 | $61,570 | $43,375 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V8 | Supercharged Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Turbocharged Diesel V6 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4WD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 3.0T Premium | RWD 4-Door Laredo | 4MATIC 4-Door GL 350 BlueTEC | 4-Door VR6 Sport |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| 4-Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4-Door SUV | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Lexus GX vs. 2012 Audi Q7 | 2012 Lexus GX vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2012 Lexus GX vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL Class | 2012 Lexus GX vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
