Overview & Reviews

The GX 470 midsize SUV continued the Lexus tradition of offering high levels of luxury in a vehicle that is both quiet and comfortable. With three rows of seating, a smooth V8 engine and a refined interior, the GX was a top-tier luxury SUV in every sense of the term. In addition, this particular Lexus had the ability to venture farther off-road than most of its owners would ever have the desire, or courage, to take it.

However, the Lexus GX 470 existed at a time when the crossover SUV market was really growing. Although its rugged truck-based underpinnings provided advantages in terms of towing or going off-road, the resulting higher weight, lower fuel economy and decreased space efficiency meant this Lexus wasn't the best choice for the type of on-road driving that most luxury SUV owners spend the majority of their time doing.

Although discontinued after 2009, this model essentially lived on as the redesigned Lexus GX 460.

Most Recent Lexus GX 470
The Lexus GX 470 was a traditional body-on-frame SUV produced from 2003-'09. Mechanically, it was closely related to the Toyota 4Runner of the time. At the time, we were impressed by the GX's superior off-road abilities and upscale interior. Downsides included a very cramped third-row seat and a side-hinged cargo door that could impede curbside loading.

Originally, there was a single trim level and its 4.7-liter V8 produced only 235 horsepower. This would be upgraded to 270 for 2005, but that was downgraded to 263 when testing procedures changed in '06. A five-speed automatic was always standard, as was a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing.

Throughout its time on the market, the GX 470 came with a variety of features designed to help it off-road including Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Rear Adjustable Height Control (AHC). The optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) arrived for 2004. This high-tech feature automatically adjusted the front and rear stabilizer bars to enhance handling under a variety of conditions, both on- and off-road.

While this off-roading potential is a key GX 470 attribute, Lexus owners expect refinement and luxury. True to form, the GX 470 offered fine leather on the seats and lustrous wood on the dash and steering wheel. However, as it got on in years, the GX started to lack some of the luxury features that came to be expected in its segment. As such, later model versions may be less appealing relative to their contemporary competitors.

There were other significant changes made to the GX 470 during its lengthy life. For '04, safety upgrades included a roll-sensing feature for the side curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and an optional rear back-up camera system for vehicles with the navigation system installed.

A Sport trim joined the lineup for '05 and remained until the GX 470 gave way to the 460. Other GX option changes that year included an upgraded navigation system with better graphics and additional functions, Bluetooth compatibility and voice commands for the climate control, audio and navigation systems. Navigation was again updated for 2007. Other '07 changes included the addition of an auxiliary audio jack and a larger screen for the rear-seat entertainment system.

User Reviews:

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  Option detail lags competition. - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jerry - November 12 - 10:13 pm

  Purchased 2005 GX470 after test driving MDX, Navigator, Aviator, Denali, BMW SUV. GX does have an excellent ride BUT Lexus needs to pay more attention to option detail. Lexus NAV system ranks far behind Acura and Mercedes (I own both). Mark Levinson sound system is average, at best. Also ranks behind Acura and Mercedes. Bluetooth phone capability is a joke. Just found out that you cant get a Verizon phone to work with the system. Voice activated NAV and audio is useless. This is a $50,000+ luxury vehicle that should NOT have these issues. Lexus needs to take a look at what Acura (my daughters TSX) and Mercedes (my wifes E320) have accomplished and learn from them. Thinking of trading in.

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  GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By whf - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Major problem for me with the GVWR recall which cost me big bucks. I wouldn’t put much stock in Lexus claims of customer satisfaction or service if the problem is substantial. Even a small item took a trip to the dealership to resolve. Voice recognition is poor. Basic air and sound controls is cumbersome. Navigation system is easy to use, with very intuitive programming. The premium sound system if excellent. Limited storage for small items. Dealer service failed to reset the service notice button. During a trip an emergency notice come on saying we needed repair service, and should contact the dealer immediately. That was a bit troubling, until

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  GX 470 Best Over 6000lbs Gross Weight - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spinnerkt - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a truck to take advantage of the tax code 179 before end of 2003. Must haves were great reliability and quiet ride. We also wanted a Nav system and felt this was the best for the money. The GX470 is quiet and smooth. Our daughter loves the DVD and wife likes the feeling of safety she gets when driving.

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  My LUV (Luxury Utility Vehicle) - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Susan Gassman - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Im a Realtor and when it came time to buy a car/SUV that would satisfy my strict requirements, the GX LUV was the only one I wanted. The Navigation system is sensational. This is truly a vehicle that handles like a sports car but with all the capabilities of a SUV. The only downside is the bad gas mileage!

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  Great - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Francis - May 26 - 1:16 am

  I purchased a 2006 GX 470 with the navigation/Mark Levinson package in Nautical Blue Metallic with dark gray interior on 3/25/06. The vehicle itself is beautiful inside and outside. The interior is a little dated however still very classy and functional. Fit and finish is impeccable and to Lexus standards. The ride is very smooth and stunningly quiet! The Mark Levinson system is excellent. The navigation system is a little too fussy: you have switch from region to region if you are going to do any traveling between states and require assistance. The V8 is silky smooth and more then adequate to power the vehicle. Overall the GX 470 is a great SUV that I would highly recommend to anyone.

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  impressed - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bojai - January 27 - 10:00 am

  everything about the car is great. except that the size of the gas tank is too small so you often have to go to the gas station to fill up. it only averages 300 miles on a full tank. also, it lacks power. car is very smooth and rides nice but it does not have enough acceleration for 4.7 liter 8 cyliner vehicle. other than this, everything is great and i enjoy driving the car.

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  Great overall but really thirsty! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Thomas Lange - January 1 - 2:26 am

  Lexus just has a feel and style that cant be beat. The GX470 is a great overall vehicle but has terrible fuel mileage. I average around 13 MPG. The ride is exceptional on highways but a little top heavy around town and on curvy country roads. It is as quiet as you would expect a Lexus to be. Towing is amazing with the Class V hitch. The Mark Levinson sound system is absolutely incredible.

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  I wish I had one of these years ago !!! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Boomer - December 13 - 1:56 pm

  Great--just great. Like me, I think its perfect and like me there is room for improvement. Third seat should fold into floor to allow better rear vision and add more storage room. While its built on a truck frame, it rides ever so smoothly. Passenger side seat should have 6-way power and larger sun visor. Interior is luxurious--navigation system is great help (once you learn how to use it). Optional sound system is Carnegie Hall quality.

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  All in all a good package - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By HHF3 - December 7 - 4:43 am

  Excellent visibilty and instrumentation is easy to see and adjust. Fuel economy on the low side and fuel tank is grossly undersized.

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  Two Children or less - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Christie - November 27 - 2:53 am

  It is a wonderful vehicle to own. The only negative comment that I have is that it is not very roomy in the back seat. We have three children and two of them are in carseats. They do not have any extra room. The third back seat does not have any leg room at all.