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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  Comfortable but No Soul - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By ponch - August 9 - 5:21 pm

  This is a quality vehicle with nice features. I could not believe how comfortable the driving position was and how smoothly it drove around town. However, I ended up trading out of it for the following reasons. 1) It LABORS on the highway and is a tiring ride on long trips. 2) It feels unnecessarily big 3) The NAV and iPod systems are annoying 4) It chugs gas making you ask the question, "Do I really need this vehicle?" 5) Overall, this is a very pretty vehicle, but it has no soul. If you absolutely need a USEFUL 3rd row and you dont care about sending your college savings $$ to the Middle East, then this vehicle might be for you. Otherwise, I would absolutely recommend a BMW X5.

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  Best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By cemi03 - July 22 - 11:06 pm

  I usually dont write reviews, but this time I need to write one. I have had several suvs like Acura (had problems) mdx, Mercedes, and Audi (had problems), this Lexus gx is by far the best; very quiet, comfortable, smooth to drive etc. And sorry consumer report magazine, you wont stop people from buying the best quality cars "Lexus"

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  Loooooooove!!! - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Lexus fan! - July 18 - 5:29 am

  Just traded in my 2013 RX for the 2016 GX, which is what I should have gotten in the first place instead of the RX. Cant say enough about how much I love it. Great ride -- feels much more substantial than the RX (although the RX was great), and has all the features I need. Yes, the new remodeled RXs definitely have more bells and whistles but the GX is fantastic!

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  No surprises!!! its a LEXUS!!!!! - 2012 Lexus GX 460
  By cemi - February 17 - 7:24 am

  This is my second lexus and when you buy a Lexus, you get the best !!!!!!! excellent finish,reliability,smooth.

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  Most Impressive - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Impressive - October 7 - 9:30 pm

  Great vehicle caught up in the politcal games against foreign owned companies. Interesting how media underreports recent GM/Ford Recalls but over medias minor issue with a computer glitch that caused no damage or accidents.

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  Lexus For Life - 2012 Lexus GX 460
  By pipes3 - August 19 - 1:03 am

  Bought 2012 white with sepia leather and could not be happier. I owned a 2012 4runner for a year prior and upgraded to the GX...there is no comparison between the two vehicles...the Lexus is superior in every way...baffled how others say they are the same vehicles! Mine came with the F-Sport package with upgraded rims. Totally changed the look of the GX. Very rare option that sets the SUV apart from others. Interior is top notch but that is what Lexus does. Smooth as butter ride, decent acceleration for a heavy SUV. Main reason bought is for the reliability..Bulletproof...Benz, BMW, Audi...all will be in shop with expensive repairs..enough said...

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  Lower back pain - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By K.C. - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 SUVs and this one is the most luxurious. I bought it thinking I would own it for several years. Unfortunately, the seat and ride are causing lower back pain. I even have the headrest turned backwards which looks ridiculous. MRI showed a bulging disc so this is no joke.

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  GX 460, please do not buy - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By iowa80 - May 21 - 3:19 pm

  I had old model, GX470 for 8 years and I purchased new GX460 expecting better. But it was my big mistake. New GX460 is larger, heavier SUV, but Lexus engineers put smaller engine. It is so underpowered and I have hard time to go up hills to my home and afraid to pass any car in the freeway. My son has refused to drive this SUV because too dangerous to pass any car in highways and handling is so poor in the California mountain highways. I am ready to return this SUV if Lexus take it back. I know why Lexus sales are going down. Their design skills are so poor in many items and need vast improvement.

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  Supper SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By minh banh - April 27 - 2:56 am

  What can I say, one of the best SUV from inside out. Anyone planning to purchase this, go ahead and do it. Dont be fooled by consumer report, one little thing they make it bigger. Lucky I am a first one got it on January 2010 and receive $500 off sticker window

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  Very good SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By smgebg - January 19 - 1:33 pm

  Purchased this SUV a few weeks ago. We probably are still breaking in the engine but currently the gas mileage is 13mpg. Outstanding interior and exterior quality. Feels sort of "trucky" with the engine growling to accelerate and reach speed, as well as the ride (bouncy).