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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  An Absolute Dream Machine - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By spinedr - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The quality of this automobile is unsurpassed. We had the opportunity to take an offroading class with Landrover. As it is a remarkable SUV, it is simply that, an SUV. The Lexus GX deserves the title LUV! Its smooth quite ride, amazing cabin appointments, and functionality are stellar. We cant drive it enough!

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  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.

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  Its a technological marvel - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By DC - April 25 - 12:53 am

  The top reason to buy an SUV is for traction control. Well, the technology in this car is phenomenal. Full, split axle 4-wheel drive for mud and snow slopes that some trucks could not even handle. Computer assisted 4-wheel drive for on road use in snow and ice, along with a brilliant ABS system, though unnerving at times, and you can be sure of a safe fast stop in any weather. I also got a special suspension option (one of the few options offered on a Lexus) and I am amazed at how it handles bumps. Riding in this car is an absolute pleasure. Its computer technology is amazing as is its build. Cost is high, but I can say, its worth every penny.

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  I love my gx 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By ebabb - April 19 - 5:10 pm

  Absolutely love it. It handles great and is the perfect size. The interior is beautiful and I have used the navigation so much more than I thought I would. awesome vehicle.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mark v - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased this GX470 after owning an 2003 Tahoe Z71. I am very happy with this Lexus so far, and it is a dramatic improvement in every way over other 4x4s that I have owned. I have also owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee (too small, bad mileage). The ride quality and smoothness of the powertrain is amazing and the vehicle is very quiet on the highway.

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  Nice Move - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By New GX470 Owner - March 23 - 4:40 am

  Just drove my new GX 470 off the lot yesterday. So far, I am loving it! It has plenty of room. Very commanding on the road with the height of the vehicle. Quality fittings. Buy the ones with Nav. Very high quality. This is something I am going to keep for a while, a new one is worth the money.

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  Outstanding Surprise - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By RichardB - February 25 - 2:00 am

  After three successive SUVs, I was planning to lease a Lexus LS430 luxury sedan. Instead, I wound up with their "mid-size" GX470 luxury SUV, and WOW, what a treat. It is so much more than the other SUVs in terms of comfort, features, luxury amenities, etc. that I am absolutely delighted. I am a big man, but my wife is small, and this vehicle is just the right size for both of us. The ride is superb, the handling terrific and the sound system second to none. This is the nicest SUV I have ever been in, period! The only negative is the poor gas mileage, but it is still superior to the Escalade and other large types.

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  My favorite vehicle, the GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Angela - February 16 - 11:36 am

  My Lexus GX470 is by far my favorite vehicle. Ive had other luxury vehicles in the past but hands down the GX470 outperforms all of them. Its an SUV that can take on the rugged terrain, yet drives like a luxury sedan. The interior is quiet and comfortable. If you have children there is plenty of leg room not to mention 3rd row seating. Its extremely easy to get my infant in and out of the vehicle. No more back problems! More than enough room to throw all of your luggage or shopping bags! I love it!!! Angie from AZ

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  this vehicle is a must have! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By tea - February 8 - 1:43 pm

  my husband just bought me this 3 days after christmas. we traded in a lx 470. this suv is out standing. it has a dvd player for the kids and a navigation system. even though it is a few inches smaller than the lx 470, you would never know it. i also love the way the back door opens. it is much easier to load groceries and packages.

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Darin Bell - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Nothing comes close to the build quality and comfort of the Lexus. It is quiet, comfortable, and just a joy to drive. The Lexus just feels tight. I compared the GX470 to many other luxury SUVs and the Lexus always won out in my mind.