The GX 460 is offered in three trim levels: GX 460, GX 460 Premium and GX 460 Luxury. There's a single powertrain on offer in the GX 460, and it can easily provide for those wanting energetic power and torque whether it be for off-roading or towing. The 4.6L V8 engine makes 301 horsepower and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. A full-time 4-wheel-drive system is standard on the GX 460; the system includes a Torsen limited-slip center differential and an electronic locker to help with mud, sand, or snow, but an automatic mode for most driving sends about 60 percent to the rear wheels and can vary the distribution to help if some wheels have more traction.
The adaptive variable suspension system that comes with premium models includes Normal, Sport and Comfort modes, while the adjustable height control helps keep the vehicle level when towing. For those who plan to venture off-road, the standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System uses hydraulic pressure to help keep the body stiffer and more level on the road yet allow more wheel movement during off-roading.
The GX 460 comes with a full roster of ten airbags, along with stability control and Brake Assist, and both Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control can help maintain poise and traction when off-roading, freeing-up the driver to focus on steering. There are also several advanced safety-tech features available here, including Lane Departure Alert, which sounds a buzzer if the driver wanders out of a marked lane and both adaptive lighting and an intelligent high beam lighting system.
Inside, the GX 460's interior is spacious but with a truck-like feel. The sitting position is rather upright, with a good view outward. Front seats are very comfortable and supportive, while the second row is adult-sized and slides fore and aft several inches. There's a small third row, with a motorized system to raise the seat. The GX's rear hatch opens to the side, rather than upward.
The interior of the GX is lavishly appointed with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power moonroof, memory driver's seat settings, a dual-zone climate control and a garage-door opener. A 9-speaker sound system is also standard on the GX that includes integrated Bluetooth hands-free and music-streaming connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio and an iPod interface via USB. A display screen with trip computer and rear back-up camera display are standard.
The GX 460 Premium includes perforated leather seats, LED fog lamps, Bluetooth, navigation, a backup camera, heated and ventilated front seats, 3-zone climate control, heated second-row seating and rain-sensing wipers. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is available, as is a Parking Assist system.
The Limited trim comes standard with front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot sensor, navigation, leather seating and ventilated front seats. A Driver Support package is optional, and includes a Driver Attention Monitor, dynamic radar cruise control and Lane Departure Alert. The audio system can be upgraded to an audiophile Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers and 7.1-channel surround sound. For the back seats, a dual-screen DVD entertainment system can be added.
Rugged Body-on-frame Construction
Towing Ability
Luxurious Interior
Comfortable Seating
Strong Powertrain
Available Tech And Safety Features
The Lexus GX remains mostly unchanged for 2017, however some of the features and amenities of various trim levels have been slightly reshuffled, while a new Sport Design Package is also new for this year. The Sport Design Package features exclusive front and rear bumpers, exhaust tips and side mirrors, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.
The GX 460 is more like a truck than a car-like crossover utility vehicle. It's closely related to the Toyota 4Runner -- so it has body-on-frame construction, an asset for anyone who tows regularly. The GX otherwise stands out for being especially well-equipped with both luxury-car comforts as well as useful off-road aids and safety-tech features. It might also prove more maneuverable and manageable versus a full-size luxury SUV such as a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
