Overview & Reviews

As a generalization, you could say there's a dichotomy within the ranks of Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Certain models are known for possessing boundless levels of comfort and refinement almost to a fault. Others have a rich history of rough-and-ready off-road performance that isn't exactly conducive to a serene driving experience. Within these seemingly polar opposite groups sits the GX 460, a luxury SUV that tries to offer the best of both worlds.

Based on the 4Runner, the Lexus GX 460 is built on a body-on-frame architecture with a live-axle rear suspension. That gives it the robustness it needs to survive off-road, while traction is assured thanks to its four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a high-tech adaptive suspension that also aids the GX around town. Still, for daily use, there are many competing seven-passenger luxury crossover SUVs that are more fuel efficient or have more comfortable rear accommodations. As such, you'll have to appreciate its multipurpose nature in order for the GX 460 to be ideal.

Current Lexus GX 460
The Lexus GX 460 is available only with four-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 4.6-liter V8 good for 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. There are two trim levels: base and Luxury. Standard features on the base GX 460 include LED headlights, a sunroof, faux leather upholstery and a nine-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

The Lexus GX 460 Luxury adds an adaptive variable suspension (with rear adjustable height control), parking sensors, a navigation system, leather upholstery, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-folding third-row seats and rear air-conditioning. Options include wide-front and sideview cameras, adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system, a rear cross-traffic alert system, Crawl Control and a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system.

Inside, the GX doesn't quite live up to the Lexus reputation for top-notch materials quality. Nevertheless, controls are easy to use, thanks to intuitive placement. The 60/40-split-folding rear seats and power-folding third-row seats help add convenience for most everyday suburban affairs, though we've found the second-row seats are hard, flat and not particularly comfortable. Another drawback is the GX's swinging rear cargo door hinged on the passenger side. The design complicates curbside loading, though a flip-up rear window allows for stowing of smaller and lighter packages.

On the road the Lexus GX 460 isn't as nimble as most car-based luxury crossovers. Still, the GX manages to impress with a refined, smooth ride and respectable handling. Acceleration from the V8 is fine around town, but with about 5,300 pounds to lug around, the GX 460 can feel winded during highway passing maneuvers. Off the beaten path, the GX impresses with plenty of ground clearance. The optional Crawl Control feature allows the driver to climb steep slopes and rugged terrain without having to apply the throttle or brakes, thereby allowing him to focus purely on steering.

Used Lexus GX 460 Models
The Lexus GX 460 was all-new for 2010 when it replaced the GX 470. The 470 was produced from 2003-'09 and shares many of the GX 460's pros and cons.

The most significant changes to the Lexus GX 460 took place in 2014, with a styling update to bring it in line with the rest of the Lexus family. Other improvements included standard LED headlights, a larger touchscreen interface, a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alerts. Features on the base trim were also scaled back to reduce the price, with one of the more notable downgrades being premium vinyl seating surfaces replacing genuine leather.

User Reviews:

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  Same problem - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By cemiliano - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I am having the same problem that the last persons review (Mr Sylvester). Sometimes, when I am in a stop light, and I want to accelerate quickly, the car does not responds right away for a few seconds and this yes! Could cause an accident. I thought it was normal, but now I know I am not the only one with this problem and I will take it to Lexus dealership

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  2011 GX460 - Amazingly Inferior Sound System - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By samga2011 - March 11 - 7:08 am

  I listen to music occasionally, but do have a taste to distinguish between something that just makes sound vs something that sounds good. We just bought a new 2011 GX460, and unfortunately did not test the audio system using a standard quality recorded song before buying like my iPod or standard audio CD. Both my old sub 40k cars had fantastic music system compared to this. For the price we pay for this car, its amazing Lexus manages to get away with providing a third grade audio system. The sytem sounds horribly hollow or bassy at best, no matter how much you adjust the treble/mid/bass controls. I have complained to the dealer and they said they will give it a shot. Stay Tuned...

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  Superb SUV - 2013 Lexus GX 460
  By dan_wa_state - January 6 - 10:50 pm

  This is a great, comfortable and fun to drive SUV. The interior is beautiful and functional. Great quality. Engine has lots of power to accelerate and pass cars on the highway. Its stable in sport mode on twisty country roads. It feels like youre riding on air, even on poor roads, and it offers rock solid handling. You can easily fit 3 large folks into the car for long trips, and probably 2 more for shorter rides. The extra row of seats in the back are OK for kids (and i assume mother in law types), and I keep them folded and use the space for cargo gear. but thats about it. I havent used it much off-road, but for what I needed it handled very well and got me in and out very nicely.

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  Amazing! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Ben - December 26 - 1:30 am

  I had a lexus ES 350 and traded it in for the new GX. Not kidding, this vehicle is quieter and smoother then my 07 ES. The outside is starting to grow on me, but the interior is perfect. I have been test driving and researching for over a year and came back to the comfort,reliability and luxery Lexus gives its customers for the price. The 3rd row is pretty much useless however, with it folding down flat, its not an issue for me.

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  SUV made us sick - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Sea_sick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Avoid this truck-based SUV you if can. We tested drove GX470 were very happy with it. Bought this GX460 with regret not testing it on high-way. The dealer didn’t offer any help but a trade-in. The hash ride made us sea sick the first day! It bounces back and forth on local road and shakes on highway. The SUV feels solid same as the seat, they look good but are stiff. Love the NAV and interior color.

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  My 1st Lexus - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Paula - September 8 - 8:38 pm

  I love this car! For all the complaints listed in the Edmunds rating, Im not finding them to be true. I will definitely be buying another in the future.

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  LEXUS GX460 - 2017 Lexus GX 460
  By Jorge - September 4 - 8:50 am

  Its a great SUV. Its got plenty of power and feels great on the road.

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  The best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By nks - August 15 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had the SUV for less than a month now and purchased it sight unseen based on info from internet. While there were negative comments posted in some pre-sale reviews, I find this SUV everything Ive wanted in an SUV. It gets up to speed easily like a regular automobile, handles well, extremely quiet, averaging 17 mpg, more than expected for a 5000+# vehicle and workmanship is exceptional. So far, I havent found anything to complain about.

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  A Toyota 4 Runner disguised as a Lexus - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By gardenia1 - March 2 - 7:21 pm

  I sold my 2010 Range Rover because of reliability issues and leased a 2011 Lexus GX 460 because everyone said it was one of the most reliable car brands. This may be true but this SUV feels very top heavy and the rear end has swung out on tight turns at higher speeds. This is a very uncomfortable feeling for an SUV that I assumed put safety first. The interior is not as luxurious as you might expect from Lexus and definitely not as nice as the 2003-2009 generation of this model (my friend has an 08). The styling is bland as bland can be...it closely resembles the 2011 Toyota 4 Runner both inside and out. Radio and phone controls clumsy and confusing, interior looks and feels cheap.

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  GX 460 Trumps - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Lucas - January 17 - 4:26 pm

  I was in the market for about 3 months, I looked at the Escalade, rovers, bmws and the whole gamut of luxury SUV and then i returned back to Lexus. I had an ES 350 that was wrecked by a bad driver so I set out to find what I needed and wanted. After driving all the option I fell in love with the Lexus GX 460. When i sat in the GX I said out loud, "this is it" only to seal the deal with a test drive. You might get another car that has more bling or another feature that you might want but you will never find a car that can take on the GX 460 in its entirety. This car drives like a sports car in sport mode with the tap shift and drives like a cloud when on comfort mode. I never looked back.