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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  Lexus builds another top of the line SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Ed - November 5 - 2:33 pm

  EXCELLENT in most details. The 3rd row seat (as an option) it too tight and a joke at $2,000.00 for the price. Other than that EVERY aspect of the Lexus GX- 470 to OUTSTANDING and top quality.

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  lexus gx470 review - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mike89 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Thats only when I get to drive it. My wife prefers it over our BMW 328i.

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  great suv - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By harlan - November 2 - 10:36 am

  Only had the suv for 8 days and love the luxury and the handling. It is a really beautiful vehicle. I was driving an 8 year old Toyota 4-Runner with 142,000 miles. Quite a change from the Toyota. Gas mileage is not too good, but I knew that before I bought the vehicle. I was looking at the MDX but it was not a luxurious as the Lexus

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  Outstanding Surprise - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Paladin1940 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I thought I wanted an LX430, but the tax incentives forced me to consider an SUV. I looked at several, and fell in love with the GX470 "mid-sized" Lexus SUV. It is definitel "full-sized", but my very tiny wife LOVES to drive this car, as do I. I am a big man, and comfort is very important to me, as well as style, convenience and performance. I have owned several luxury vehicles, and this is my favorite so far. EASY handling, nice ride, beautiful sound system, great finish. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a top notch SUV.

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  Excellent decision - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By grmccoy - October 24 - 8:13 pm

  This is my first Lexus and I am very pleased with my purchase. The ride is smooth and the technology updates are great. I was over 1k miles in no time.

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  Why spend so much money - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Real owner - October 20 - 11:06 pm

  I have bought new Cadillac Escalades, a new one every year starting in 02 . I live in the mountains of New Mexico and am not in good health so reliability and comfort are top of the list . I had never even consided a Lexus . Drove the GX 470 and that was all it took, I traded my 06 Cad. I am very hard to please and I am truly happy with this car. You feel safe in snow, mud and on the highway. Value, check on the new price then look at a used one . Lexus holds its value. The heating and cooling are just right. This is a 4x4 built for comfort and 20 mpg is great when you consider what American 4x4s get.

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  You get what you pay for - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By JayB - October 3 - 11:16 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this GX. So far, so good. Great ride and carries our family of 4 nicely. Very smooth. Decent amount of interior space, although I would have liked a little more interior storage. Have grown to love the navigation and ML sound system. The only CON would be the gas mileage...but I went into this purchase knowing that it would not be that good. As long as you are comfortable with that, I would recommend this vehicle highly!

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  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.

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  Best $50k ever!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By classylady - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I had bought a Jeep brand new and had nothing but probelms. Own a toyota and never had a problem. Loved the idea of the "all new toyota r-runner" but hated the new body style. When the GX came out I read everything I could find on it. I am very very pleased with the quality, comfort and class.

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  Impressive - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By GabWmn - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a Vette and felt it was time to purchase a more family friendly vehicle. The GX blew away the competition! Smooth ride and zips around town & into parking areas with ease. The interior is as plush as a home den. I like the rear side- opening barn door. Its light weight and easy to handle. I have banged my head on my husbands up & away tailgate. I continue to be amazed at all the safety features incl. automatic lighting inside & out which assures safe passage to and from the house, multiple side curtain airbags and rear view camera for backing up. Too many well planned ammenities to list...