2015 Lexus GX460
A luxurious off-roader traditionalists will enjoy.
The Lexus GX460 is something of a throwback, along the same lines as the company’s larger LX570, the Land Cruiser, and perhaps the Land Rover LR4. As with other traditional, body-on-frame SUVs, there are pros and cons to the way it interacts with the modern world.
Recently Lexus refaced the GX460 with their spindle grill and more aggressively diagonal styling elements; these seem to fit the more aggressive mien the company is trying to establish for its products, and are right in line with the tractor trailer truck-like visages of many other contemporary utility vehicles.
Inside, the company has also upgraded many of the GX470 interior materials, which had been a bit subpar (for a Lexus) when it came out in 2010. Thematically it is chamfered and mechanical, with many blocky, squared off moldings. Seating is upright and comfortable in the first two rows, and the fold-flat third row is a vast improvement over the older model’s jump seats. The infotainment interface is touch screen-based and quite intuitive, if not as slick as the company’s other systems; nor is it remotely as easy to use as those from most European competitors.
It is in the way the GX470 drives that one most notices the roots it derives from; being very directly related to various Land Cruiser models, it is Third World-rated and will no doubt be one of the only vehicles still running after whatever Zombiepocalypse eventually gets unleashed on us. It feels stout and rugged, and its four wheel drive hardware is so beefy it is hard to imagine an owner ever finding its limitations off road.
On the pavement, though, the Lexus’ high center of gravity, solid (read heavy) rear axle and antiquated design mean it doesn’t deliver the kind of dynamics many may be expecting from a luxury ute. Damping is quite good, and the adjustable suspension does what it can to deliver a smooth ride over decent roads. But traverse broken pavement, potholes, manhole covers or other urban blight, and the ride deteriorates rapidly.
Likewise, handling is deliberate and safe; at modest speeds and on the highway it is nice and secure. But push it and the otherwise pleasingly hefty and direct steering begins to telegraph the distress the understeering front tires are suffering, and body control goes a bit wobbly. At least the meaty brakes are consistent at hauling all the GX470’s mass back down to more sane velocities.
The Lexus gets up to speed quickly, thanks to the extra horsepower and torque that its quad-cam 4.6-liter V8 serves up over platform-mate 4Runner’s anemic V6. 301 ponies and a strong 329lb-ft of twist mean you can hit highway speeds quickly and towing real loads is an actual possibility. Throttle tip-in is well calibrated and the six-speed automatic is a good companion; EPA ratings seem to be accurate in the real world, too.
While the GX470’s many good attributes, including its off-road prowess, pleasing and practical cockpit and projected incredible reliability—based on previous models’ and that of the 4Runner—are obvious. Equally apparent is that the game has moved on for such vehicles. Even the Land Rover LR4 and Jeep Grand Cherokee (both as adept or more in the dirt) have independent suspension these days. It is hard to recommend the Lexus to any but diehards and traditionalists, when there are so many other choices that are more pleasing to drive.
EPA ratings: 15/20mpg; 17mpg combined
0-60mph: 7.4 seconds
Price as tested: $65,980
Here is what Lexus has to say.
