2015 Lexus GX 460 4WD: The Luxury Brand’s Off-Road, 7-Passenger SUV

Highlight: The Toyota 4Runner and the GX 460 are based on the same platform.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $62,785 (Base Price $50,410)

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; daytime running lights; LED headlights; ABS; an automatic dimming interior mirror; a stability control system; a trailer sway control system; a downhill assist control system; a hill-start control system; a back up camera; a first aid kit and Lexus’ Enform Safety Connect system (automatic collision notification, SOS button, a stolen vehicle locator, an emergency assist button, and enhanced roadside assistance)

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; roof rails; an automatic climate control system; a power sunroof; power front seats with lumbar support; a memory driver’s seat; 4.2-inch infotainment screen; and second/third reclining and adjustable seats

2015 Lexus GX 460: A Three-Row Luxury SUV In A Class By Itself

Highlight: The Lexus GX 460 is loosely based-off the same platform as the Toyota 4Runner.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $55,505 (Base Model starts at $49,995)

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8

Standard Safety Features: airbags (front, side, knee, rear-side, curtain, and seat-mounted for second row); ABS; LED daytime running lights; side impact beams; vehicle stability control; back up camera; first aid kit; electronic brake distribution; traction control; Hill Start Assist System; Downhill Assist Control; and Lexus’ Safety Connect System

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; non leather seats; 10-way power front seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; memory programmed driver’s seat; a 8-inch touchscreen; a push button starter; sliding front center armrests; LED low-beam headlamps; privacy glass rear windows; auto on/off headlights; integrated illuminated running boards; power moonroof; and roof rails

(UPDATED) Toyota Is Under Scrutiny Again; This Time Its Their Luxury Brand

Toyota just can't get a break. After thoroughly conducting two independent tests on the 2010 redesigned LX GX 460, Consumer Reports, a consumer advocacy organization, is warning that the luxury SUV could possibly spin out of control and flip over in case of severe driving conditions. As you know, since most SUVs are top-heavy, unlike a car, the driver has to adjust their driving patterns, when rounding curves at a high rate of speed or making quick stops - since these vehicles are more prone to flip.

To view Consumer Reports explanation, click here. Ironically, the the 2010 Toyota 4Runner was redesigned this model year, too, which is also based off the same platform as the Lexus. We're wondering why this vehicle hasn't been placed in the spotlight.

Earlier this year, we reviewed the redesigned Lexus GX 460, check out our review.  So far here's the response from Lexus headquarters, regarding the results from Consumer Reports. We expect the officials from Toyota will have more to say about this potential safety risk. The question we need to ask: Is how often will we have to push the vehicle to the limits to potentially cause the vehicle to spin out of control? Or is this same as asking: Will the airbags be available to inflate in your personal vehicle just in case its needed in the event of an emergency?

UPDATE: Lexus Agrees to voluntarily recall the 2010 Lexus GX460.

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.