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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  for the love of lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By 2005 lexus gx 470 - August 9 - 2:20 am

  This car is amazing. It has every feature you could dream of!! The smoothness of the ride makes make it feel more like a plane gliding along the road.

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  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cgandy - July 18 - 4:56 am

  Was previous owner of BMW X5. This car is better in these areas: Sound system, climate control, NAV, smoothness of ride, handling in snow, general comfort, roominess, quietness of ride, no rattles, rear camera, reliability. I liked the X5 better in: handling, braking, PDC, gas mileage, sportiness, looks, nibleness/quickness off the line. Both are good cars, but Ill take the Lexus for value and all-around usability. It tows better too because the size is better suited for it.

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  GX470 much more than RX300 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pjh - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The RX300 was a great car, but the GX470 is a great SUV. We love the smooth ride and handling. Not much bigger than the RX300, the GX offers many many more features. Navigation is impressive and DVD is great for kids. Rear door a little awkward to open. The rear climate control is only functional from the back seat. Its a bit of a gas guzzler - but still worth every penny!!!!!!!!

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  Love it! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By poe6matt - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and I am thrilled with everything about it. The size is perfect and gives me the versatility I need with seven available seats. The RX was too small for me and the LX too big. The GX is just right!

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  My first Lexus - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By saurin patel - July 7 - 8:33 am

  This is my first Lexus and I love it, superb driving and luxurious.

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  Need more for GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By monkey56 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  So far, I like the truck. I drive it around the corner just like the way I drive my car (40+ miles) so KDSS must be working hard at the corners to maintain the balance of this heavy truck. Both the DVD and Navigation can pay DVD movies to entertain all passageser when truck is not moving. The 5:1 sound channels worked wonderfully, the sound quality of wireless headphones are crystal clear. I think it works even better than my home theater sound system. It even offers a cassette player which I can use to play those tapes I have stored in my closet for nearly 20 years!! For mechanical and electrical components quality only time will tell but I would trust Lexus to offer superior build quality

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  The best SUV!! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By shell - June 26 - 3:20 am

  This is by far the most comfortable riding and roomy SUV Ive ever owned. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. The interior features are intuitive and easy to figure out. The designers thought of just about everything - even the easy opening back door. In addition, the exterior is just plain classy!!

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  GX470TheUltimateLUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By CharlesBettertown - June 23 - 10:00 am

  After shopping around for months for the ultimate Luxury Utility Vehicle, I came to the conclusion that the new Lexus GX 470 is it for me. I wanted to enjoy the well-known advantages of owning a Lexus including the award- winning customer satisfaction and high resale value but I didnt want just another one of the tens of thousands of RX 300s and the LX 470, while truly exceptional in just about every way, did not seem worth the extra $20,000. Driving down curvy mountain roads near Sedona in the GX 470 was as exciting and thrilling as downhill skiing!

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  These are really great cars.. - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jeremy Foster - June 20 - 3:01 pm

  Weve owned these as the Toyota Landcruiser Prado and they are awesome. A little thirsty with the 4.7Litre V8 but amazingly capable having taken one off road from Abu Dhabi in the UAE all the way to Salallah in the south of Oman.

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  Lexus GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By banneheim - June 19 - 10:10 am

  Just bought the car. What a machine! Great to drive, pure luxury. It is wonderful to drive around in such a great SUV and watch all the people stare and look. My wife and I are now spoiled. We can never move away from a Lexus.