Lexus GX

Not many mid-size luxury crossovers or SUVs offer the off-roading prowess provided by the rugged Lexus GX, which flaunts a bold exterior design spearheaded by a massive grille and flexes a well-appointed cabin space. It makes do with an aging body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota 4Runner, a naturally aspirated V-8, a conventional 6-speed automatic, a two-speed transfer case, and a locking center differential. While the components may seem simple and dated, they give the GX the chops it needs to venture beyond paved roads, and farther from the asphalt jungle than most of its SUV rivals. There’s a comprehensive Off-Road package that makes it all the more capable. If you’re in the market for a nicely appointed SUV, and off-road capability is a priority, then this Lexus can suit your needs. If you’ll be spending all your miles on paved roads, though, you may want to look elsewhere; this segment has more than two-dozen alternatives and most of them are, overall, more appealing.