DecodedCars2008 Lexus GX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 470 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 14 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 4,740 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 24 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 14% below the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Lexus GX is a SUV - offered with a 4.7L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,740 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway), 14% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 17.4 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 GX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 GX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 470 4dr SUV AWD | 189 in | 74 in | 70.9 in | 110.2 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 4,740 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX 470 | 4.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -14% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lexus GX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lexus GX (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Land Rover Range Rover | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayenne | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 BMW X5 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2008 BMW X3 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Lexus RX | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Volvo XC90 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Lexus GX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Lexus GX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lexus GX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 150,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lexus GX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other GX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GX | 17 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 GX | 17 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 13 |
| 2024 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2023 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2022 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2021 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2018 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2017 GX | 16 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 15 |
| 2016 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2015 GX | 17 | 192.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →