2014 Lexus GX vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Lexus GX 460 is a true truck-based, mid-size luxury SUV, making it a rarity on today's market.

Thanks to its adjustable suspension and KDSS, the GX is able to travel off-road just as competently as it cruises down the highway, and it's one of the better vehicles in its class for that duty, too.

The Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL Class are both more comfortable for on-road driving, and the Audi is especially attractive inside.

Both the Audi and the GL, as well as the VW Tourareg, offer turbodiesel engine options, making them better for towing, too.

The Touareg lacks the third row, but handles off-roading more gracefully than the Q7 or GL, but not as well as the GX.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another option, also lacking the third row of seats.

It's more affordable than the GX without sacrificing much in the way of refinement, and the Jeep's V-6 is as good as any.

No matter how you slice it, each of these alternatives offer easier loading and more cargo space than the GX, though.