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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  My 1st Lexus - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Paula - September 8 - 8:38 pm

  I love this car! For all the complaints listed in the Edmunds rating, Im not finding them to be true. I will definitely be buying another in the future.

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  LEXUS GX460 - 2017 Lexus GX 460
  By Jorge - September 4 - 8:50 am

  Its a great SUV. Its got plenty of power and feels great on the road.

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  The best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By nks - August 15 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had the SUV for less than a month now and purchased it sight unseen based on info from internet. While there were negative comments posted in some pre-sale reviews, I find this SUV everything Ive wanted in an SUV. It gets up to speed easily like a regular automobile, handles well, extremely quiet, averaging 17 mpg, more than expected for a 5000+# vehicle and workmanship is exceptional. So far, I havent found anything to complain about.

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  GX 460 Trumps - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Lucas - January 17 - 4:26 pm

  I was in the market for about 3 months, I looked at the Escalade, rovers, bmws and the whole gamut of luxury SUV and then i returned back to Lexus. I had an ES 350 that was wrecked by a bad driver so I set out to find what I needed and wanted. After driving all the option I fell in love with the Lexus GX 460. When i sat in the GX I said out loud, "this is it" only to seal the deal with a test drive. You might get another car that has more bling or another feature that you might want but you will never find a car that can take on the GX 460 in its entirety. This car drives like a sports car in sport mode with the tap shift and drives like a cloud when on comfort mode. I never looked back.

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  Lexus Finess at its best! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Steve - October 9 - 11:33 pm

  I test drove them all (Mercedes,BMW,Land Rover,etc) before purchasing my GX 460 hands down it is the best luxury SUV available today overall all things considered. The competition has its pluses but the GX 460 is the total package. With regard to the exterior styling it is not a Bling Mobile; the GX is the perfect vehicle for the “Stealthy Wealthy” all the good stuff is on the inside where it really counts Lexus knows who their customers are! Incredible ride (very close to LS 460 smoothness), stunning interior, extremely capable (more so then most will ever need) and out of this world easy to use technology. I love its relatively low key statue/styling; the standard sound system is amazing.

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  Top Notch SUV - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By cma11 - October 6 - 2:58 am

  Lexus did no disappoint with this SUV. Its sleek exterior is impressive while the interior stands above the rest in its class. We expected luxury with a bit of sportiness and this fit exactly that! The GX drives smoothly even with its size, which you usually dont get with SUVs. It always helps to know that this cars reliability ratings were excellent...which is what you expect with purchasing a Lexus.

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  Still the best on the road! - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By ccdcn - February 27 - 10:53 am

  we traded in our 2009 470 for the 2011 460 and have had it for over 1 year. It still performs and rides as it did the day we drove it off the showroom. Quiet, smooth acceleration, a 500 mile trip is just a smooth ride - no back ache or sore muscles. I have owned a 4 runner and anyone who compares that to a 460 doesnt know what they are talking about. Great vehicle highly recommend it -

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  Best all around utility for road and off road. - 2013 Lexus GX 460
  By sworks1 - October 30 - 11:03 pm

  In the last 3 years I have owned the Q7 tdi, BMW X5 disel, Acura MDX 2014. I avoided the GX the last two years due to the camry fascia they put on the truck but for this year they changed it to their new F grills. I can tell you right now out of the listed SUV the lexus handles just like the BMW X5 without the stiff steering and suspension with KDSS standard. I have the premium model. The new MDX for 2014 lost the magnetic shocks that I used to love and was absolutely horrible I drove it for 2 months and traded it for a loss to get into the GX. The 2014 MDX had very bad body lean in corners the famous user interface has been butchered by Acura and was awful. GX interface is perfect.

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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!