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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  Avoid this truck - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Carsick - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Tested BMW x5, MDX, BM350 and RX350 and GX460 on local road, loved RX350 but went with Gx460 with regret not testing it on highway. Thought we will get roomier and more conformable ride than rx350 but got sea sick the first 50 miles driving it. This truck ride very bumpy and shakes on high way, it made us sick and dizzy (never had this problem). Be care if you have kids. Gas mileage is very poor not an ideal day to day car for the family, avoid it if you can. Traded in for a 2011 RX350 later and much happier now.

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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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  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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  Acceleration - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Russ - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the same issued since the date of purchase. From a stop when you accelerate the vehicle has a stall or hesitation for 2 or 3 seconds. This does not occur every time thus creates a problem for Lexus. I have complained to Lexus and gone through the hearing process which is a waste of time. The representatives from Lexus and the hearing panel drove the vehicle across the street from the hotel and around the Costco parking lot and said the vehicle did not demonstrate a problem. The vehicle has a problem!

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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.