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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  Love this SUV - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Julia - October 3 - 1:39 pm

  This is my second GX. My first was a 2012. I am always surprised by the expert reviews of this SUV. I have driven a Subaru outback, a Volvo XC70, a Toyota highlander and a Chevy Suburban and none of them can come close to the performance of the GX in the snow. I live in Wisconsin and missing a workday due to snow is not an option for me. I have been on the interstate in three blizzards this winter alone and the GX is solid on the road. The gas milage well outperforms stated (22-23) and in a SUV with true 4 wheel drive capability I am pleased. Unlike my husbands suburban, and my neighbors Mercedes and BMW, my 2012 GX has had no mechanical issues, even minor, ever! I traded only for new tech options and safety features and because my neighbor wanted to buy my 2012. I wonder if the reviewers have ever really driven in snow... because the is no better SUV in my mind. My teenagers often use the third row and have never complained. The way the back door swings open, even when parallel parked has never been an issue. The blind spot is huge and the addition of the blind spot monitor will be welcome, I did not have it on my 2012.

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  Great Ride! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Jeff - September 18 - 3:23 pm

  Simply the smoothest riding SUV I have ever drove. The power is not out of this world but good enough, after all it is an SUV not a race car. Inside it is almost perfect with the normal Lexus luxurys and although the 3rd row could be larger, I love the fact that it electronically folds down. The Sepia leather color is simply stunning. Bottom line, I test drove an Audi Q7, a BMW X5, and an Acura MDX before purchasing the GX 460 and none of them even came close.

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  Your only choice - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By KLAIR - May 11 - 3:53 pm

  I have had a GX 470 and sold it and special ordered a Premium GX 460 with every singel option available. I bought my GX on 4/29 with the software update and could not have asked for a better SUV.The fit and finish is superb and the GX is extremely quiet. I also drive a LS 460 and the sound system in the GX is very similar. I made a long distance trip to LA and back and got 22.5 mpg round trip at an average speed of 68 miles. the radar cruise control works excellent and HIDs are excellent. If you need a world class SUV with features and comfort look no more get the GX 460

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  2016 GX460 - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By stephen peng - April 24 - 6:11 am

  This is the SUV, not crossover or anything like the BMW X5 or Acura MDX. It drives like a true SUV should be. I have less then 1000 miles on it. I consider it as a full size and luxury type of the Toyota FJ curser. Which is the go everywhere kind of vehicle. I am very happy with the vehicle.

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  2nd GX... - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By bobbio56 - November 28 - 9:17 pm

  Traded loaded 04 with 119k miles for 11. The 11 is much more refined, smoother and more teched savvy. Mileage for first 1400 miles has been at least a 25% improvement. 3rd row seats are easy to use. Very quiet and stable at all speeds. Cooled front seats are great. Kinetic suspension performs really well, had that on my 04 as an option. blue tooth phone quality is excellent, voice commands for all functions is sub par. Paint quality is a vast improvement over 04! Looked at every suv & crossover out there and came back to Lexus/GX.

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  Best Luxury SUV In its Class - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By asald - November 28 - 11:36 am

  Purchased a 2010 Premium Edition with the rear DVD dual screens. Awesome SUV, test drove BMW X5, Suburban, Escalade, Mercedes and in the end the LEXUS won. Rear entertainment is definitely worth the price if you have kids, PlayStation hooks up very easily.

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  Very impressive fuel economy - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By James Goren - September 12 - 12:13 pm

  The 460GX is an extremely comfortable vehicle, at highway speed is very quite and you can easily do 23 mpg, at the same speed my FJ (6 cylinders) was maybe capable of 20 mpg and my former H3 (5 cylinders) 18 in a perfect day! The acceleration is to say the list impressive and off road is as good as an FJ. The third row is pretty comfortable, accordingly to my passengers, if the second row is moved forward. The GPS is excellent and I enjoy the "air condition" seats. I agree that the back swing door is not easy to use, specially in town, but you can now open the back window. Overall is an excellent vehicle at least for now, 2,500 miles in 40 days.

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  GX is great - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Dave - June 12 - 3:41 am

  This is our third GX. Our 04 GX 470 had almost 200k miles. Its cooling pipe went bust on the freeway, by the time we pulled to the next exit it over heated. It ran another 6 months afterwards before we sold it to CarMax. We bought the new 15 GX and it was totaled a month later after being rear ended by a careless driver. The frame buckled and the rear bumper had the guys front end imprinted on it. I was able to walk away with only a stiff neck.. the other driver had a fractured jaw, broken arm and leg and ribs. The GX saved my live. We bought our third GX a few weeks later. This is a heavy traditional SUV, the acceleration is measured and "stately". Fuel economy is in the high teens, not bad for this type of vehicle. Handling is good if you get used to the truckiness. On the freeway, it is stable and quiet. Its not the quickest, but it does get to 80 to 90 mph before you know it. The only complains I have is the poor placement of the two USB ports in the center console. When plugged in, the sliding hatch cover have to be open. And there are no power ports for the 2nd row. It got a little irritation having to charge the Kids ipads on long trips. The Lexus roof rack cross bars are nice looking, however, they sit too close to the roof making tying down cargo a bit difficult. also you need a Torx key to move them. I liked the old GXs roof rack, with plenty of tie in points to strap your cargo.

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  GX 460 review (already problems) - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Mr_Sylvester_79 - April 29 - 10:33 am

  I like this vehicle, but there are problems with the acceleration after stopping and accelerating quickly. This is a safety problem if trying to accelerate quickly through an intersection, one can get into an accident. Lexus is addressing the issue, but do not believe this is safety issue because no accidents reported yet (although this is new + expensive vehicle). If there was not this safety issue, I would say that the small area for 3rd row is an issue and leg room for drivers side. It is build on 4runner chassis. The exterior and style look very nice. Just some fundamental issue

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  A Great SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By WS - April 15 - 7:36 pm

  I previous had a 05 Lexus GX470 and find this SUV much improved in almost every way. I am completely satisfied with my ownership experience but find some of the plastics on the dash below Lexus standard. The engine is very smooth, quiet, and unexpectedly, this GX drives much sportier than the previous generation. I really enjoy the Bluetooth streaming audio and huge center console. Small details make this vehicle better every time I get in such as the whizzing motors of the windows/sunroof that slow to close and improved voice recognition software. I will most likely purchase another Lexus/Toyota product.