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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  rear door not user friendly - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By E. Lynette - February 24 - 10:00 am

  rear door swings open into traffic. Window does not open/close. No way to leave door open for an extra long load. must have at least 4 behind vehicle to open door.

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  What more could you ask for $50K - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By RJQ - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2004 GX with Navigation and third row seats. The SUV sits very high which makes visibility great. I have had no problems with the vehicle to date but only have 1,000 miles on the vehicle. The backup camera is priceless as the vehicle has a large blind spot. The navigation and instrumentation is flawless.

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  All good but mileage - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By BCOHEN - September 1 - 11:46 am

  Very comfortable car to drive. Really enjoy sitting up higher than other SUVs. Only complaint is the mileage - 17 on a good tank.

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  Love my Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dan J. - June 2 - 12:56 am

  Great car, however hunts for gears while crusing at 80mph plus up and down hilly terrain. Nothing a supercharger wouldnt fix! I hope TRD is reading this.

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  My Lexy - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By lux2u - March 7 - 2:06 pm

  Love my 2004 GX470. I have never had any major issues, just normal maintenance. I would highly recommend this SUV - not too big, not too small, not great gas mileage, but not bad, just an all around great car. Very comfortable and a great ride. Despite all the issues with Toyota, I would buy this car again...especially if they change the rear door!

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  More Practical Interior Cabin Design - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By pkt0084 - March 5 - 6:30 pm

  Purchased it new in May 2007 with 4 miles on it (now has 4300+ miles). Traded in our Mercedes ML430 which was purchased new in June 1999. I drive my daughter everywhere in the Lexus & as a mom here are my annoyances: uncomfortable arm rest, not enough/poor center compartment design, unreachable CD-changer in glove compartment, shallow/poor location of front cup holder, inaccessible cup holders for rear seats when baby car seat is used in the center, rear seat A/C but not heat, swing open tailgate vs. lift-up, can only power on sound (not video) from front console for entertainment system - must use remote control to power on. No issues with technical & mechanical aspects whatsoever!

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  GX 470: great unless you hold the wheel - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Lee Seidler - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The GX 470 is easily the best driving, best handling SUV we have owned. However, there is a vibration in the steering wheel (even noted in the NY Times of 7/6/03. Also loud wind noise drowns out classical music at 60MPH. Interior is great, GPS finds places you could never drive to yourself.