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:

• 

  Love my first SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By DrewFromNY - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I moved from a Mercedes E class to an SUV. Bought this after looking at other mid-size SUVs (wanted a 3rd row). Came down to this and the Acura MDX. No comparison in the comfort, despite Acuras very high reviews. This drives more like a truck, but it is smooth as a Lincoln in there and VERY comfortable. Nearly silent on the hwy. Note: when the rear seats are folded up, there are definite blind spots, as they block the rear side windows, so be cautious.

• 

  Almost as Good as an AWD LS 460 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Top Dog - August 2 - 9:30 pm

  We purchased this car when my Sequoia died and I was left with an LS with RWD. I compromised with the GX thinking to replace it when the LS came out with AWD. Now, Im not so sure. The GX is almost as good. Im 62" and at 285 lbs, having done more than my share of weight lifting, I need comfort for my frame and plenty of space. The GX does it. It goes anywhere if you keep it shod with good tires, and never ever breaks down. I travel a lot and need absolute reliability and this vehicle delivers. It draws positive attention without being obnoxious. Fuel economy, at an average of 18.9 is actually outstanding for a vehicle of this size. Would I buy another--Yes.

• 

  VIBRATION: 1700rpm,esp 60mph - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By SG - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Problems: 1) Lexus dealerships stuff all options on vehicle and make it difficult to order without certain options(like third row seats, Lexus Link) 2) there is an unacceptable vibration which occurs at approx 1700 rpm and is accentuated at approx 60 mph...as noted in another review there is no fix yet. I am UNHAPPY.

• 

  Very nice, but needs some tweaks - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By BrianGgg - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car is like piloting a cloud. Incredible ride - very quiet and very smooth! The 3rd row seating is a bit of a joke though. Im only 57" and I couldnt bare to sit back there for more than 10 minutes. Theres no way you could get 3 adults back there comfortably. Plenty of room on the 2nd row of seats, so much so that they should have moved those forward 3 inches to give the 3rd row more room. The Radio controls kinda suck since they put many of them on the video display screen which takes a long time to navigate, and a lot of attention which would be better spent driving.

• 

  Quite Pleased - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By 4 time lexus owner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I am quite pleased with GX 470 I purchased in late July. My Blizzard Pearl GX has turned several heads. I havent seen this clor as of yet on the road or at any other local dealerships as of yet. However, I plan to trade in my 2003 for a 2004 because I just cant live with the after market installed DVD system. I will definately get the factory DVD this time. The current system doesnt take full advantage of the factory installed features like the Mark Levenson system or the factory installed system integration. The backup camera in the 2004 will be a blessing.

• 

  Rip Off at the dealerships - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus customer - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus GX lists for 45,900.00 on the Lexus website and on the vehicle sticker. Edmunds lists the vehicle at 45,500.00. The dealerships just received one demo car fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. However, they are telling people that they Lexus is only going to send fully loaded vehicles to the dealerships. That means, you will have to live with options you dont really want like the $1,200 LexusLink. The service is free for one year and then you can either cancel the service or use it. You will however, be out of $1,200 because that is the cost of the unit. I think Ill go back to the Acura MDX where I do have some options.

• 

  Simply the best - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By fladave - November 17 - 9:33 am

  The European cars are just terribly overpriced and the American cars are all garbage which leaves room for the Japanese to dominate. Well Lexus steals the show period. Nothing can touch the design, build quality or reliability of a Lexus. After you take a ride in this SUV and then get into anything else you cant help but laugh at other carmakers and smile to yourself.

• 

  Another Lexus in the Family - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By LS-nowGX - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Got this Lexus loaded with every option except the Lexus Link - heard there were problems with that!!! We hope to own this as long as we still own our LS which is a 93. I know Lexus can make cars that get good fuel economy - why does this only get 15 city and 18 highway.

• 

  Great but could be better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By yellow enzo - October 13 - 11:33 pm

  The only regret i have with this car is ours is without the kenetic dynamic suspension. i would consider this a must have option the fit and finish in our car is not up to lexus standards. The fuel economy is the biggest suprise it can easily get upwards of 24mpg on a road trip and about 17-19 on the twisties

• 

  Mixed Emotions - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By gelkin - May 31 - 12:00 am

  This is my second Lexus, previously owned GS 430, but my 4th SUV. Overall a nice vehice but I do have some gripes. The driving position is not to my liking. It seems like Lexus took the undersized arm rests from the Sequoia and put them in the GX. There is literally no position I can put the armrest in and be comfortable. The ride is just OK, even with the suspension set to the softest setting its jarring around town. Constantly being in 4wd leads to some interesting noises at highway speeds over 65mph and when parking in a tight spot. Fuel economy... never seen 17mph. The barn door is a major pain when the wind blows. Id like to see a traditional "liftgate" type of door.