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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  Great SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Thomas E. Dahlberg - May 6 - 12:03 pm

  This vehicle is great. The handling, power and comfort are amazing. The engineers did their homework and anticpated needs I was unaware I had. I strongly recommend the Navagational/DVD options. My model has the Dynamic Kinetic System and drives backroads like it is on rails.

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  Best large SUV bar none - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By eeeee - April 30 - 11:06 am

  Over the last 8 years I have owned the following SUVs ... Mitsubishi Montero, Mercedes ML 430, BMW X-5 4.4i, Infiniti FX. All of these have been top of the line and fully loaded with every option in the book. This time, I shortlisted and test drove the Range Rover, The LX470, the Cayenne, the Touareg the MDX, and finally the GX 470. Other then the 3rd seat (which despite the bulk, is still very convenient for my 6 and 10 yr old), there is simply no down side to this SUV. Even the gas mileage is good (18 mpg) considering it weighs in at 6800 pounds. It beats its own older brother (the LX 470) at its game for $15000 less. If you need a large SUV with superb comfort, you need not look any further.

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  Loving it in LA - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Ian in LA - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car after test driving several luxury SUVs. We have an ML500 that my wife "used" to love to drive. I bought this vehicle for me but have only driven it once in more than one week. My wife just would not let go. This car comes fully loaded at less price than a comparable ML500.

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  Never thought I could *LOVE* an SUV! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By couchmore - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Im a confirmed sedan gal, so imagine my surprise at how much I LOVE this SUV!Its quiet (more quiet than my previous E320 sedan),luxurious, and great looking.I dont have the ML stereo or navigation system and dont miss either.Its not without weak points: the way the 3rd row seats fold and stow looks amateurish compared to integrated ones in the Expedition,and the "gate" door has taken some getting used to (especially since it opens away from the curb).Yes, its expensive, however; Lexus reliability is a given and the service is 2nd to NONE.You cant say that about many car makers. You definitely get what you pay for with this vehicle.

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  New GTX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By GTX-SB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. I found the comfort suspension setting a bit stiff on my bumpy city streets at slow speeds, fine on country roads at more speed and the nornal or sport settings fine at highway speeds. Everything else is pure pleasure.

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  I Love Still Today - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Diane - March 1 - 1:03 am

  I test drove almost every suv out there. From the moment I drove the GX, I loved it. I now own it for six months. It is wonderful. I recently hit a deer. The car did not skid. It was solid and kept us safe. I love driving it. It feels dreamy to drive. Love the seats, interior, radio etc. This is my first Lexus. I also own a Mercedes C320.... would consider trading it in for a Lexus in the future. The Lexus people have great service.

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  Awesoem Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By zach451 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best out f all suvs! Luxury, Intelligince, Technology, Smart People!

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  new owner - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mike Rush - February 19 - 2:13 am

  Ive only had this SUV for one week and I love. I have driven the lexus ES 300 from 1992 to 1998- 2 cars. I leased the GS 300 2 years ago. As mentioned , I just leased this SUV and its great.

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  Smart and classy buy - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Elena - February 18 - 7:23 pm

  Looked at many other suvs, but loved this one! I have had it for almost a year and an very happy with it. I have just reached 12,000+ miles and the car still looks brand new! It drives very comfortably and is spacious! The trunk is a bit small when the third row is down, but i love the third row option. People tend to complain about the trunk door, but it has not bothered me once! Its a great car and should last a good long time, both the interior and engine! :)

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  Great GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Fillup Carter - February 7 - 8:53 pm

  The best SUV I have owned. Luxury and performance in one vehicle. You will not be disappointed. Compared with other luxury SUVs, the Lexus GX 470 was the one you cant forget. Its quiet and the ride is smooth.