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 ride - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jmwme - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great ride compared to my Mountaineer (which we also love). The Lexus actually has several less features than the Mountaineer, including the hatch door, key pad entry, and adjustable pedals. The navigation system is very nice visibly, but the voice recognition does not really work at all. I tell it to, "go home" and it shows me courthouses. I mean it is not even close. The ride is what makes the vehicle, no comparison to the aviator in my familys opinion.

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  My 3rd Lex - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By maliksul - December 5 - 5:43 am

  This is my 3rd Lex still own the the 2nd one which is a 2000 RX300, this is one big bad ride the v8 is nice and smooth and has a great growl, the Mark Levinson sound system (14 speakers) is outstanding, great suv overall.

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By CW5JB - December 1 - 1:20 pm

  Just turn 200 miles. Excellent vehicle, love to drive, handles well and the Gen 5 Nav is outstanding. Great LUV.

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  2004 Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jill A. Patton - November 9 - 9:56 am

  Deciding to trade my GS400 for an SUV was a difficult decision. Wanting more room but not a monster vehicle, the GX470 seemed to be everything I was looking for. Having previously driven the LX470 as a primary vehicle, I was not looking forward to a bulky existence. The GX470 is a petite SUV perfect for my petite 5 2" frame. Better gas mileage would be a plus, but the ability to transport two friends each along with my two children has made up for it. I believe this is about as close as I can get to an SUV that feels more like a car. I have grown to love the car and all it provides for me, as a single Mom, and my children. They love the extra room too.

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  My 4th Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Sheri Q-Burks - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the easy of handling, smooth drive and flexibility of space(parks more like a car).My biggest objections are the rear door and the access(need to lock it in place to keep it from closing on you, want more ability to change temperature settings in back rows and easier rear seat and mid seat removal.I drove it in very inclimate conditions in 4 wheel drive with great response.It turns very well for a large vehicle and can handle high speeds easily. Overall, I would give it an 8.5 with room to make some changes. I like Lexus and their willingness to stand behind their product.Would probably go back to one of their cars again, once small child is older.

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  What more could you ask for $50K - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By RJQ - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2004 GX with Navigation and third row seats. The SUV sits very high which makes visibility great. I have had no problems with the vehicle to date but only have 1,000 miles on the vehicle. The backup camera is priceless as the vehicle has a large blind spot. The navigation and instrumentation is flawless.

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  not too early to judge - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By george GX-470 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  After looking and eliminating the VW- Touareg and the BMW-X5 found no comparison against the GX-470. Riding, hadling, interior and exterior quality and craftsmanship and value for $$. Probably the best vehicle Ive ever owned and not to mention the VIP treatment at the Northside Lexus Houston, Tx. dealership.

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  Review of Lexux 2003 GX 470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Geno Vanelli - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent all the way around. Test drove every other competitor. including Avaitor, Sequoia, Escalade, Yukon, MDX, Mercedes, BMW & Volvo. Lexux wins hands down. Comfort, luxury, fit & finish, and most importantly, my wife loves it! She loves the drivers visibility, and the fact that it drives like a car. I can change the setting to "sport" ride, and enjoy driving it my way too. What a great compromise. She hated the clunkiness of the Escalade & Yukon, and loves the smooth shifting & total confidence of the safethy features & driveability. We will treasure this vehicle for years to come. Finally, an SUV we both love.

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  love my Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By L. & C Kelly - October 10 - 1:36 pm

  I love my Lexus, I had a Jeep before the Lexus RX 470. The Lexus is an 8 cylinder and the Jeep was a 6 cylinder and we are getting 18.7 miles to the gallon on our Lexus. The same as the 6 cylinder Jeep. I drive about 160 miles a day back and forth to work and home. Gas mileage and comfort is important to me and this SUV delivers everything i could possibly want and more. This March after a snow storm I came upon a patch of road near the river that had frozen and two cars had landed in a ditch the Lexus drove right over the patch of ice and did not slide at all, I did not have the SUV in 4 wheel drive. I feel so safe in this SUV. I love the RX470 and it is well worth the price. I use the GPS all the time.

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  Comfortable to drive - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By charlespig - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car the day I got it. I drove it from New York to LA because I was so excited! When I drove it I found out that its very comfortable and convenient. I suggested this car to some of my friends.