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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  Almost perfect - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus Loyalist - October 24 - 10:43 pm

  After 4 RXs, I needed a change. Voila the GX. It is roomy, comfortable, sufficiently powerful, and beautifully finished. Only cars with the 3rd row seat were available, but I would rather skip that expense and get a cargo cover instead. The seats are stored, taking up room in my garage. After owning 10 Lexuses, I am surprised at some of the features missing from this car, e.g. HID swiveling headlamps and in-dash CD player. The RX is a much better equipped model for much less money.

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  Great machine! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Al - October 24 - 12:23 pm

  Have been most impressed by the GX470. Very solid feel, excellent performance and good safety features. Just the right size for me, kids grown with only grandkids to haul now. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone, usual Lexus quality, no problems after 9,000 miles.

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  Las Vegas Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By LASVEGASLEXUSTOM - October 24 - 10:00 am

  What a vehicle! Lexus has outdone itself. Who else would do all the paperwork, PDI, and then drive 75 miles from the dealership right to my front door to deliver me this flying 747? Only Lexus Carlsbad would..no one else in town would even think of doing something like that.

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  Most trouble free I have ever had - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By kambiz - October 12 - 6:23 am

  In almost 100,000 miles on and off road driving this is the most trouble free car I have ever had. Brakes lasted 80k miles 100 percent joy to go off road and great in the city.

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  The Perfect SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Matthew Jones - September 25 - 9:26 am

  Great truck. very happy with the purchase. The ride is very smooth and very quiet. Traded in 03 X5 4.4 and couldnt be happier. Test drove X5, Mercedes ML 350, RR Sport, and Lincoln Aviator. They just couldnt match the value of this vehicle. I recommend the sport package. Makes the interior much more attractive.

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  MORE ATTENTION TO ROAD MANNERS - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By BARTON - September 13 - 12:46 am

  This is a beautiful SUV, well designed for passenger comfort and with all the elegance and refinement one should expect from a vehicle in this price range. It has but one flaw --- it is NOT rock-steady at highway speeds in the wind and has more "slip stream" wobble when it encounters 18-wheelers than our Grand Cherokee! This is obviously due to its height/tread width ratio and would approach "perfect" if shaved down a couple of inches or (better yet) based on a wider platform. Overall a wonderful vehicle but I would NOT have purchased it had I tested its highway performce in advance.

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  What I expected - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By FerrariDad - September 5 - 9:40 am

  Wed owned an LX 470 for 5 years before trading on the GX. The flawless quality of the product brought us back. Where you notice the smaller size from the LX is in the back seat and to a lesser extent, the cargo area. Its not quite as quiet at the LX, but close. Slightly more powerful engine than our 01 LX and much lighter makes it a great performer.

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  The best - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By bobcaptord - August 30 - 6:40 pm

  This is my fourth Lexus and my third SUV. Had the the large SUV, in fact two of them and both are great

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  the new gx47o - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Ronald ciaccia - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck, but 1.the arm rest on the captins chairs should be longer. 2.the position of the heated seat buttons are out of reach, try reaching it with a seat bealt on. also the memory seat buttons are in the way, every time i open the door i hit them.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rebecca - August 23 - 12:10 pm

  Overall I love the Lexus GX 470. It is comfortable and has an excellent ride. I like the styling and the mid- size. The size makes it a very manageable vehicle.