In the luxury SUV market, the players are usually modern, car-based rather than an off-road champion.
Lexus marches to the beat of a different drummer with the old school GX460 sporting full-time four-wheel drive and a V8 engine.
The GX is very capable off road. The rear air suspension and Kinetic dynamic suspension allow you to venture far off the beaten path without any worry.
The look of the GX460 hasn’t changed very much; however, this model has an updated grill design and the headlights don a new look. Otherwise it’s still a tough-looking SUV that sits tall.
The optional Sport design package enhances the look with grey 19″ wheels plus special front and rear bumper spoilers giving the big GX a more updated and newer appearance.
Inside the GX460, you’ll see that the interior is behind some other newer vehicles in the class. The 8″ touchscreen is smaller to start. But it’s easy to use because the controls are large knobs, switches or buttons.
In Lexus fashion, the fit and finish is pleasing to the eye with soft Semi-Aniline leather and wood trim. The second row captain’s chairs make using the third much row easier.
Cost: $64,265; as tested $71,240
MPG: 15MPG City; 19 MPG Highway (sticker). I managed 16.2mpg in 260 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $1,045 Mark Levinson premium surround system $800 panoramic view & multi-terrain monitors; $1,985 dual-screen rear entertainment system; $2,020 Sport design package
Safety: Lexus Safety System; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; high-speed dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert; intelligent high beam headlights; blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert;
Things to know: Unlike a crossover, the Lexus GX460 luxury SUV is comfortable off the beaten the path. It’s from a different time when SUVs ruled before the car-based smoother crossover.
Pros:
- Full-time, four-wheel drive means the GX460 is ready for all conditions
- You sit up high with great vision out the vehicle
- Everything is easy to use with big buttons and knobs
Cons:
- V8 power and full-rime 4X4 hurts fuel economy
- Little storage space when all three rows are in use
- Third row seat is best used for children
- Doesn’t enjoy being pushed on back roads
