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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  Great Vehicle! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Denny - March 31 - 3:10 am

  I traded in my Lexus GX 470 and couldnt be happier. Many small issues have been eliminated, by provision of bottle holders in the doors, folding mirrors for entering the garage, better console storage,better arm rests, fold down third row seats, supple leather, and vastly improved road noise reduction. The interior is luxurious. The 460 has lots of power and a very smooth ride, much softer than the 470. Exterior styling is more Toyota than Lexus but still looks sharp. Agree that body side moldings could dress it up a little. It definitely has a rugged but luxurious feel to it.

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  Lack of power a real problem - 2017 Lexus GX 460
  By Ron Mann - April 27 - 2:23 am

  If you are looking for a car to drive in the mountains this is not the car for you. Poor power and the 6 speed trans is constantly downshifting trying to find a low enough gear to get up steep grades. Sloped floor in the storage area puts everything you carry against the rear door so it falls out when you open the door. Had an 05 GX470 that I loved, this is nowhere near the same car.

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  A tank - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Gil - February 26 - 10:41 am

  I dont get this. Why is this truck not getting 5 stars in every review . I traded a 2014 VW Touareg TDI for the Lexus. I got tired of the running that the dealer give me. ( Is normal is a German car, is build for performance). Well, in my eyes , the most important thing is to get me where i want to go without having to call a tow truck. Lexus , please dont pay attention to all these spring journalist that think , they know what and how a truck should perform. Please keep making this truck the way it is. I would love to have that 2.8 diesel engine that is been sold everywhere around the world but <<<< for now i will settle for this silk smooth 4.6 engine . Maybe a little turbo ??? next generation ?? in about four years .

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  GREAT BUY!!! - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By RDY36 - February 7 - 8:54 pm

  I love the buy and my only knock is that you have to get the lux package for the optional rear entertainment package.

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  Love it - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Adrian - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  I have owned a few SUVs, but this has to be the best experience ever. The ride is solid and smooth, the suspension is sporty without being too hard. I average about 19MPG (incl. city driving) primarily because i pay attention to the "eco" mode on the dashboard which has affected my driving behavior (slower acceleration, etc). It is fast and has quick acceleration. Occasionally in taking sharp turns at higher speeds, there is a sense of top- heaviness but no concern for roll- over.

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  Best SUV I ever had - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By esteier - October 24 - 6:13 pm

  I got Base model with most options, couldnt be happier. So far only problem I have is either it needs wheel alignment or tires need air adjustment. It is quiet, luxurious and very comfortable. I am getting used to truck like feeling compared to BMW and Acura SUV I had before. My kids love this SUV.

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  Fail Lexus, The Buick of Japanese Automakers - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By tazdevl - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Lexus. In hindsight I should have bought something else. I dont know if Ill buy another one. Lexus has gotten complacent and are seeing declining sales for this very reason. They had an opportunity to improve the GX470. Instead they have made a series of poor design decisions and dropped the ball on acceptance criteria which resulted in a subpar and dated product making it to market right out of the gate. Couple examples and it gets worse. 2010 RX350 has compass in mirror, offroad SUV does not. Have to use remote to turn on rear ent, no way via nav. Lexus needs to respond to complaints and do something, instead of just giving lip service. No longer the Lexus of old.

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  3rd Lexus GX - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Mark - October 17 - 2:46 pm

  This luxury SUV is as advertised. Smooth ride, outstanding quality, safe and great projected resale value. Significant improvements on almost every element of the 2010 GX. Road manners are superb! Handling is very good for a larger SUV. Availability of color and model combinations is very limited.

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  Great new features over the 2004 if they worked - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By haultj - September 30 - 8:45 pm

  I traded in my 2004 GX470 for this in March of 2011. I have been driving this every day and on some vacation trips. Overall it is a comfortable vehicle to drive and has all of the new toys including the Mark Levinson audio. I had the Mark Levinson in my previous and both sound amazing. I have driven both in rough terrain and in bad weather. I prefer the 04 for handling over the 11 because the 11 feels more sloppy in the turns. The 11 also drinks more fuel than my 04. My biggest complaint is the poor functionality of the voice controls. Lexus has refused to resolve this and said that without error codes in a log, they will do nothing more. Perforated leather was a bad choice.

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  A poor excuse for a Lexus - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By GX 460 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd GX vehicle 05,08 and now a 10. This vehicle with all the hype about how this one was suppose to be the best. No power, very uncomfortable, when opening the door sounds very tinny and cheap. On a trip, seats are very thin when compared to the 05 and 08. Engine has no zip like previous models. I strongly recommend someone to check these items prior to purchasing.