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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  2004 GX 470 Well worth the price loaded - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By harshi - May 17 - 10:26 am

  The GX470 has a surprisingly quiet and smooth ride for a large vehicle. The suspension allows very comfortable turns at relatively high speeds. The Mark Levinson audio and DVD are a dream. The navigation is very capable but must be programmed with hand brake on. I dont know why a passenger is not allowed to program it on the go. Power is adequate but sure would be nice to have some more.

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  Best of all luxury SUV - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Sam - May 9 - 5:10 pm

  Of all the vehicles I have owned, this must be the best one suited for the whole family. Used to drive an Infiniti Q45 that was an excellent vehicle but not enough room, my wife drives a Honda Pilot, which I dread to drive because of intolerable road noise. The GX470 is the end result of my hours of research and test drives. It is like driving in the quiet comfort and luxury of my previous Q45, with the roominess of the Honda Pilot.

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  2005 GX470 with Sport Package - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By JLex - April 23 - 8:53 am

  This SUV is well worth the money. The interior styling, handling, and performance is flawless. I have the sport package with KDSS which may contribute to the excellent handling, and will say this thing definetly corners just as well as any car-based SUV in the market. Havent had a chance to offroad, but I have no doubts on its capabilities. It maintains excellent control in the snow & mud. Other vehicles I considered were the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the Land Rover LR3. I am 100% satisfied with my choice.

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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By MichaelSkis - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Our family just bought a brand new black GX 470 - fully loaded. We love it. The comfort is more than we could have ever asked for and the ride....you might as well be on a plane, it feels like you are flying.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jackie - April 4 - 6:50 am

  I love this car! I just got it and its wonderful to drive. My kids love it too.They love the DVD player. I really love the navigation system.

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  i love it! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By gx470!!res!! - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Love my GX 470 Never had a suv b-4, bought it on a whim, but its no mistake...its a great vehicle & im not looking back. fun to drive, user friendly, "great" rear door opening to the side instead of up..excellent for everything, easy access!

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  Great truck - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By s kim - March 29 - 6:13 am

  Never liked SUV until I got into a GX 470. Doesnt feel like Im in a SUV, more like a flagship Lexus sedan. Enough technology and features to stay updated for a long time.

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  From my LX 470 to my GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Kimberly Doebler - March 26 - 12:50 am

  Fun, fun, fun. Going from a 2001 LX470 to a 2004 GX470, the GX is alot more sporty and a hell of a ride. Road trips arent on the constant lookout for petrol, more of the enjoyment of getting there.

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  We love this car !!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By keiko - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Powerful...Smart...Luxurious...Cute... beautiful...Confortable...want to drive more!more!more!, when it start to drive!

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  A Lot of SUV for the money! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MattSF - March 24 - 2:00 am

  The GX470 is a lot of SUV for the money. It comes with about every detail imaginable and certainly more than you thought you ever needed. We feel spoiled in the car. It definitely stands up to the Range Rover - certainly in quality - but even in styling. I really dont know what else we would want in a car. DVD/Sound system is amazing (5.0 DTS!!!), Leather and wood are first class, navigation system is as good as it gets. This SUV is not the biggest, fastest or cheapest but it may be the best.