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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  New Lexus Midsize SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By VM - November 29 - 10:00 am

  A great ride and has most ammenities that a consumer would realistically use.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Lori OBX - November 27 - 11:26 pm

  Very comfortable and luxurious. Gas mileage is good. Engine has great pickup. 4WD handles well.

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  Two Children or less - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Christie - November 27 - 2:53 am

  It is a wonderful vehicle to own. The only negative comment that I have is that it is not very roomy in the back seat. We have three children and two of them are in carseats. They do not have any extra room. The third back seat does not have any leg room at all.

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  Better than expected - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By ABO - November 23 - 1:13 pm

  Picked up a Sport w/ Rear Entertainment system. Love the performance of the V8. Drives excellent. Still learning about the details of the options but already the rearview camera is more useful than expected. Purchased for my wife; after one day it is clear I will never get to drive it again. This is the first Lexus for us and the quality of the vehicle and the sales staff was surprising when compared to US brands.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By meing - November 22 - 10:00 am

  First SUV, never going back to cars.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By tjackson - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a Lexus, and was not sure at first about the GX. The GX is the fun to drive and I would now say it is the best Ive ever owned. The Levinson with DVD navigation system gives directions and the sound is better than I ever thought possible in a SUV. The rear entertainment DVD player is great with kids. This GX is a joy to drive, long trips go by almost to fast...something I thought I would never say.

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  gx470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Michael Tersigni - October 15 - 12:06 am

  Vehicle handles and rides beautifully. Gas mileage is less than rated and computer indicates better than average. Touch screen navigaion system results in smudges on screen.

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  Great car But !! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By aa446688 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Car But!actually had an accident backing up the car because of the size rear head rest obstructing the view)..

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  First Lexus - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Gary Yoshonis - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Luxury Car. Previously we owned two Expeditions and an Explorer. This time we wanted somethng to take into retirement. I couldnt be happier with the comfort and grace this vehicle gives to us. Not a squeak or rattle (knock on wood) and no recalls or problems with the dealer.

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  Full Family - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By barrett - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I decided to trade in our suburban. We looked at several SUVs, including a fully loaded Suburban, but as soon as we drove the GX we knew that it was just a matter of color. This SUV provides as quite and smooth a ride as our Lexus GS sedan. It was much better than the Suburban or Lincoln Navigator. My family of 5 easily fits into the GX with room to spare. So, if you can give up the room of the Suburban, I highly recommend the GX.