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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  reliable, though unspectacular - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By wanda - November 9 - 5:23 am

  car hasn`t given us any problems yet.picks up speed and handles well. takes too long to warm up, noisy, stereo is no good

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  Over rated SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By limited4runner - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very disappointed in the comfort and noise reduction that Lexus stands for. i took it for a test drive. I driven both a Kenetic and non KDSS vehicle. There were no difference just a $4k price increase. The salesman says only notice if its on an offroad terrain. Dont get me wrong its a great vehicle but for the price you are paying you expect a little bit more quality. I own a 97 4x4 limited 4runner (havent had any trouble yet). I hardly know the difference in ride. You can still feel the bumps on the road and hear the wind noise on the windows. I guess Lexus did a great job covering that up with the nav and entertainment system!

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  Rider seat not as comfortable as driver - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MA - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The rider seat does not have the adjustments that the driver seat has and leg room is too short.

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  Beast - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By link1235 - April 26 - 12:49 am

  This thing is a beast when comes to snow. The miltary should pick this vehicle up. When it snows I feel like I can go any where. I wish it was a little bigger, of course i have the same complaint on most foreign automobiles. Third row seating is poor but it is a easy fix to take them out. i havent figured out this cassette thing is on the sound system. feel like I can go

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  First Impressions - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GXDriver - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Luxary SUV for the price. Easily justifies the MSRP compared to much higher priced LX470. Drive comparable to luxary sedan (traded Mercedes Benz in for GX470), AWD feature with center locking differential makes it perfect in any driving condition. Lexus DVD based GPS Navigation system is way superior over MB.

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  Another Great SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Horsham GX470 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  After 4 years of my RX300, I decided to get the GX470. I love it! Silky, strong engine, smooth ride and great comfort! The navigation system is the best Ive seen. While I think the GX470 is fantastic, there are a few things Lexus should change: My RX300 has more cubbies/storage places! Seat warmer controls are too out of the way. Trip computer buttons should be on the steering wheel (they have two blank spots) instead of mid-dash where they are inconvenient. Major pet peeve -- the seat belt retractors are typical Lexus -- they dont retract well!

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  Poor Trade in Value - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Dana - December 21 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased my GX470 new in 2007. Very comfortable rise and fun to drive. Outstanding DVD and sound system. Multi-CD/DVD exchanger hard to reach. Arm rest on front seats are annoying as they keep locking in up positions. Poor gas MPG (18). Third row seating cramped. Worst complaint is depreciation value. Pd. $58,000+ new, 1 1/2 yrs later, trade in value is $27K - $31K. (27K - 31K lost in 1 1/2 yrs. Unbelievable!!)

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  nice truck - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By TB1 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  No maintenance problems. No noises. (Should a "truck" be this quiet?). Refined yet functional. Superb all round performance. Very happy with it.

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  Solid SUV with a luxury car feel. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Savona - November 29 - 9:16 pm

  At 32,000 miles the car drives like the day we bought it. Great value for the price which included third row seats, rear spoiler, side rails, sunroof. Overall a better ride and value than our previous BMW X5.

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  GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Colorado Jeff - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding fit and finish. Engine is satin smooth and builds power with additional mileage. Ive been averaging 18.9mpg with a combination of city(commute) and highway driving. Acceleration is strong but transmission shifts too soon (albeit very smoothly). Sports sedan type handling and a very tight turning radius, surprizing for a vehicle of this size.