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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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pitufo - April 10 - 10:00 am

  At 75 miles per hour or less, this vehicle give good mileage for the size and engine. The bulbs under the headlights doesnt last long. I have to replace the bulb every six months. As for the comfort of this vehicle, it is really a dream come true. I recommend this vehicle especially for long distance driving.

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  Just Bought My Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Lyz - April 6 - 2:40 am

  We bought our GX on 12/24/07. We looked at the Sequoia and the Yukon. I drove all three. The GX blows the other two away in driving luxury. We were selling our 12 yr old Jeep Grand Cherokee and needed something bigger. The Lexus is a great SUV for both road trips and everyday driving. 3 days after buying it we put drove it to the UP Michigan for a ski vaca. Drove great in the snow and the long distance. Third row is easy to remove for extra storage. I thought Id hate the way the hatch opens in the rear, but I am liking how easy it is to get things in and out. My only complaint is I wish the side mirrors folded in mechanically and the third row folded flat, thats it.

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  GREAT SUV!!! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By srp - April 1 - 4:23 am

  We love this car. Finish details supurb. Easy to drive. Navigation works well and is easy to learn.

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  Why we traded it in - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Nick - March 28 - 1:06 pm

  Lexus build quailty and service is there but not much else. Really stiff ride and "bucks" over the slightest bump, so much so I took it in to be checked and they said its normal? Nav voice command is a joke. Audio, climate, etc. controls through the nav screen are a huge inconvenience. Third row seats are good for say what, ages 5 and under? Just really unhappy with this truck as a whole. We are trading in the GX tomorrow. I will be happy to see it go.

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  We love our 2005 Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Richard Lim - March 21 - 7:00 pm

  Weve owned the Lexus GX 470 for a month now and find the vehicle to be an excellent SUV which drives smoothly like our Lexus sedan. There is ample interior space to confortably accomadate 5 adults, the 3rd row seat is only useful for small children. We took out the 3rd row seats so we could have more trunk space. Standard equipment includes unique features such as moisture activated windshield wipers, sensors monitoring tire air pressure on all 4 tires plus the spare, and ability to adjust the rear height of the vehicle. Both interior and exterior finish are typical high quality Lexus workmanship. The vehicles safety features includes curtain airbags protecting passengers from side impact

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  Does not fit 2 Car Seats in 2nd Row - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By MW - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I saw a posting that it fits multiple car seats in the 2nd row. This is not a correct statement. One Car seat will fit fine, but due to the position of the 2nd latch behind the drive it will not probably hold the car seat still. It is not positioned on par with Federal Guidelines. NHTSA certified fireman said he could not properly install the seat due to the positioning as it of center. So dont buy if you need multiple car-seats in the 2nd row.

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  GX IS NOT smaller version of LX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By C. Moore - March 7 - 2:40 am

  consistent issue with transmission slippage which dealer has been unable to eliminate. dealer refuses to acknowledge issue. tailgate is hideous. ride is like that of a tractor. LOVED my LX. no similar feelings for the GX.

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  Tough choice but happy with the GX - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By TxLexus - March 3 - 11:53 pm

  We had a tough time deciding between this and the ML. In the end, Lexus reliability and interior finish were what sold us. For the money the interior of the Lexus felt more polished (totally a personal choice here) than the M. Although the GX does have a tape deck, which definitely is dated! Seats are comfortable and layout of dash made sense. Also, the crossover drive feel of the ML, RX and MDX was unappealing to us. The GX works well for male & female but the Xovers felt very girly. After 2 months of use we really are pleased with it. Ride is comfortable around town as well as freeway, fuel economy as with others in this class is OK. Fits 2 car seats easily.

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  Time to Turn in the Lease - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By CD - February 26 - 2:53 am

  A great SUV. Will turn it in and get another one.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim R - February 25 - 2:23 am

  I have been so disappointed with this truck that, in the middle of my lease, I ordered a BMW X5 (Im going back to this better performing, more luxurious SUV). The GX 470 is boring to drive. It lumbers down the highway like a full sized American car. The "premium" sound system is no better than average. The gas mileage is worse than the X5 - I rarely get more than 12 mpg. The interior is average - the leather and wood trim are not nearly as nice as what is offered by BMW or Audi. Overall, I paid 55,000 for this truck and its worth about 35,000. I cant wait to get back into a BMW.