Lexus GX 460: A Premium-Class Luxury SUV

What’s New:

 

While automakers are shifting toward building car-based crossovers, which offers the same room and utility as a SUV, some automakers like Lexus continues to invest in premium-class SUVs, which are based off a truck platform. 

For the 2010 model year, the GX 470 has been replaced with the GX 460. Lexus has made significant upgrades to its second-generation seven-passenger GX, adding a new name, a refreshed design, a new transmission and more luxury touches to cater those willing to a pay a premium price for a SUV. And the luxury SUV has been renamed -- since it now offers an all-new 6-speed, 4.6-liter, 301-horsepower 8-cylinder engine, as opposed to the 5-speed, less fuel-efficient, 4.7-liter engine. 

Must Have Goodies:

Not only has Lexus added more horsepower under the hood without sacrificing fuel-efficiency, it also offers a host of technological safety amenities, which weren’t available on the first-generation luxury SUV.

For instance, for the few who plan to take their SUV off-road, the GX 460 is now available with a Crawl Control system. The system automatically monitors the throttle and brake, regulates the engine speed and output, allowing the driver to steer its way out of trouble. Having this feature could easily help steer the GX through sand, mud or snow.

Also when traveling down steep grades, the Downhill Assist Control is designed to help the driver remain at a low-speed with no intervention from the driver. Wow, Lexus has thought of everything.

And to enhance the on-road driving experience, Lexus has added some of the features we found in the HS hybrid we reviewed last year. For instance, the GS is now available with a Pre-Collision System (PCS). The PCS works in conjunction with Lexus’ radar-controlled cruise control system. The radar-based system uses numerous electronic waves to help measure a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. If the PCS notices a collision is unavoidable, the system kicks in, retracts the front seat belts and applies braking assistance as soon as the driver depresses the pedal.

In addition to the aforementioned technology enhancements, the GX is now available with a Lane Departure Alert System, which uses two small cameras mounted at the front of the vehicle alerting the driver of unintentional lane departure by sounding buzzes or displaying an alert on the instrument panel. This feature only works on streets with paved lines.

Lastly, the new GX is now available with an Adaptive front lighting system, which turns with the steering wheel, creating better lighting at night when making turns.

What Rocked:

Like we found in some of the premium packaged Fords (and Lincolns) we reviewed, the high-beam headlights automatically turns on and off at night based on approaching vehicles.

Conversely, our LX did include Lexus’ Enform navigation platform, which kept us abreast of the scores of the NFL teams during the Playoffs, traffic congestion and weather alerts. During the time we had the keys (or key fob) to the GX, there were a number of severe weather alerts in Georgia. The GX kept us informed via audible alerts and visual displays which appeared on the navigational screen. 

Also the Lexus Enform system, which is tied into their subscription-based satellite system, kept us abreast of the latest stock prices and sports scores. What’s the need for having a financial planner or weather forecaster, when all of these features are incorporated into your Lexus?

And as it relates to passenger comfort, the second-row bench seats manually slide and recline – providing additional leg room and comfort for the second and third-row occupants. Added to the passenger comfort, the GX can be equipped with the dual screen DVD rear-seat entertainment system for an extra $2,400.

Moreover, we were in awe over the state-of-the-art Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium surround-sound audio package.

 

What We Disliked.  

Regardless of what type of suspension system you add to a SUV, with the exception of a few, most of them still ride and drive like a truck. Lexus has made great strides to address this issue with the GX 470 by equipping their luxury SUV with a front independent double wishbone suspension along with an exclusive Adaptive Variable Suspension, which is equipped with three driving modes: normal, sport and comfort. Unfortunately, we were unable to differentiate the ride -- when we selected each of the driving modes.

Also like most seven-passenger crossovers and SUVs, the third-row power folding seats were still a tight-fit for most adults. And with the third-row seats in use and the headrests in tact, the driver’s rear vision was impaired. Furthermore, the rear cargo room was virtually eliminated. True third-row seats only work in extended version SUVs like the Caddy Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, which also offers usable cargo room, too.   .  

Any Juice:

The GX 460, 4.6-liter 8-cylinder engine puts out 301 horses.

The Verdict:

While crossovers are hot, you’re unable to take them off-road and they just don’t offer the same towing capabilities as the 6,500-lb towing capabilities offered in the GX 460. Most crossovers are only able to tow a maximum of 3,500-lbs, if that much. Again, remember there based off a car platform, as opposed to a traditional SUV which is based off of a more durable tuck platform.  

With the second-generation GX 460, there are no compromises. The vehicle is both functional and luxurious. For a price point of $52,845, you can drive off the lot in a base GX 460 or load it up with all of the options for $65,240.

Competition: Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon Denali, Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX56.