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:

• 

  Poor Trade in Value - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Dana - December 21 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased my GX470 new in 2007. Very comfortable rise and fun to drive. Outstanding DVD and sound system. Multi-CD/DVD exchanger hard to reach. Arm rest on front seats are annoying as they keep locking in up positions. Poor gas MPG (18). Third row seating cramped. Worst complaint is depreciation value. Pd. $58,000+ new, 1 1/2 yrs later, trade in value is $27K - $31K. (27K - 31K lost in 1 1/2 yrs. Unbelievable!!)

• 

  Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Thedon3 - December 13 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 2nd GX. This SUV gives the driver great command of the road, with all the bells and whistles. The GX drives very smooth, brakes are great as well as all the safety features.

• 

  nice truck - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By TB1 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  No maintenance problems. No noises. (Should a "truck" be this quiet?). Refined yet functional. Superb all round performance. Very happy with it.

• 

  Luxury and 4WD Performance! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Rockiedave - December 9 - 6:43 pm

  We purchased our GX 470 a couple of months ago. We were initially impressed with the luxurious interior and strong, powerful engine. However, after 2 large snowstorms here in Colorado, I must admit that I am wowed by the performance in the snow. Keeping in mind that our first snow was over 24", we were temporarily stuck on our street. However, I threw the SUV into low range 4WD and off we went! It made my wife feel so comfortable about being able to effortlessly move through almost any situation. The height- adjustable suspension also came in handy during the storms as well. Throw in the Lexus reliability and youve got a real winner with the GX 470!

• 

  Solid SUV with a luxury car feel. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Savona - November 29 - 9:16 pm

  At 32,000 miles the car drives like the day we bought it. Great value for the price which included third row seats, rear spoiler, side rails, sunroof. Overall a better ride and value than our previous BMW X5.

• 

  GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Colorado Jeff - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding fit and finish. Engine is satin smooth and builds power with additional mileage. Ive been averaging 18.9mpg with a combination of city(commute) and highway driving. Acceleration is strong but transmission shifts too soon (albeit very smoothly). Sports sedan type handling and a very tight turning radius, surprizing for a vehicle of this size.

• 

  GX470 is just ok.......... - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By karenm - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle but the steering vibration needs to have a fix and they still dont seem to have a handle on that problem. The back door that swings open is great! Nice concept there. This truck needs a center console that is higher up. I mean there is no where to put something on to write a phone no. on or write out a check. I really miss that. Its just too small and short. Overall I like the GX but buy another,probably not. Seriously considering trading for a Yukon Denali or something just a tad bit bigger. Had a Seqouia Limited that was paid for and had more room. What was I thinking. Should have kept it!

• 

  Hooked on GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Hooked on GX - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Better SUV than I thought now that I own one. Love it! Very versatile with the removable back seats. Gas mileage however, can be improved.

• 

  first year bloopers - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Carlton R - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had alot of technical problems. Also, the first year out, it has mechanical problems (drivetrain).

• 

  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By SBallot - November 4 - 5:13 am

  The 2004 GX 470 is a great vehicle. The handling is great. It is extremely comfortable and you can adjust the ride to make the suspension stiff or much softer for that touring feel. Our GX 470 gets an average of 18+ MPG. It is currently 4 years old and I change the oil every 5000 miles. There has been exactly 0.00 dollars in repair cost. Thats right ZERO. This vehicle is worth every penny I paid for it. It is a Lexus so you have to pay a premium for high quality.