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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  Bad quality, need a major repair at only 45,000 miles - 2014 Lexus GX 460
  By Carlos Canedo - November 17 - 9:15 pm

  I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT MY LEXUS GX 460, when I took it to maintenance for only 45,000 miles, the ADVISOR told me that the car had an oil spill, that I should change the gaskets, and seals, this tells me that this type of car They are only expensive, but very ordinary, no car that I had presented this type of problem, I am very discouraged to have acquired such an ordinary car, I only have to pay for my mistake when buying a Lexus GX 460, my bill was 1,639.62,

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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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  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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  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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  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.