The 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Edition SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 70 countries and territories worldwide, and is Japan’s largest selling maker of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value, and was founded by Toyota on September 1st 1989.
Lexus currently sells 8 different sizes and models of SUVS today. They start the lineup with 2 subcompact UX SUV’S, then add 2 NX compact SUVS, plus 2 midsize RX SUV’S, and have 2 large SUVS for sale. All are in the Luxury SUV category, and the last two models are the Luxury GX SUV, and the Super Luxury LX SUV model.
The luxury 3 row SUV class is full of heavy hitters. The GX competes in price and size with the: Lincoln Aviator, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6, Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, and the Land Rover Discovery. The Lexus GX 460 is the one to buy when you want one just a little bit bigger, and better, than the rest of the class.
The Lexus GX 460 is available in three trim levels: Base, Premium and Luxury. Each one is powered by a 4.6L liter V/8 301 HP horsepower engine with 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six speed automatic transmission, and comes standard with 4WD four wheel drive.
This week Lexus sent me a 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Edition SUV with a base price of $64,365 to test drive and review. The options on the press car are: the Mark Levinson 17 Speaker Premium Surround Sound System for $1,145, the Off Road Package for $1,570, the Sport Design Package for $2,020, the Tow Hitch and Ball Mount for $655, the Door Edge Guards for $155, the Cargo Net, Cargo Mat, Wheel Locks and Key Gloves for $325, and the 3M Paint Protection Film Appliqué for $430.
The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,025 destination charge, came to: $71,690. After adding in the local and state sales tax, dealer prep and DMV fees, the total out the door price is just over $80 Grand, delivered right to your door.
In addition to the only body-onframe construction in its class, the GX offers an Off Road Package to make the adventure more civilized, even when the road isn’t. It tackles multiple terrains with features like Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Select, and more.
Plus the Lexus GX 460 can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough power to help you haul a camper or boat along on your next vacation, or to tow a trailer with your racecar in it. That kind of towing capability comes from the vehicle’s powerful 4.6L high torque V/8 engine.
The Mark Levinson 17 speaker surround sound system has an ASL automatic sound levelizer, with a single disc DVD / CD player. The Off Road Package adds multi-terrain and panoramic-view monitors, a transmission cooler, a fuel tank protector plate, on board crawl control, and a multi-terrain select control modulator.
The Sport Design Package adds a super nice set of 19” dark gray metallic alloy wheels, second row tilt and slide captain’s chairs, a unique lower front grill surround, front and rear bumper spoilers, a dark gray exhaust tip, and chrome side mirrors. And of course it has that signature Lexus massive chrome and black front grill assembly, that goes up from the road, and all the way to the hood.
These are the details that make this Luxury Edition GX 460 model stand out from the crowd, and you will notice that this is a different styled SUV. The metallic white paint job just sparkles in the sunlight, with unique gray, chrome and black accented wheels and trim, and ends with a set of dark scarlet tinted taillights. This is one cool looking SUV from the front to the back.
The 2021 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Edition SUV has the safety, comfort, technology and towing power to best all the SUVS in its class. The GX 460 rides, handles and drives great, can tow up to 6,500 pounds, and it does it all for less cash than the other brands.
So, if you’re in the market for a Luxury SUV you have to put the GX on your checklist, as the 2021 Lexus GX starts with a base price of only $53,250. So call, click or visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, for one of the best priced and optioned SUV’S in the Luxury 3 Row Class.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”. This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © Autowire.net. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net or visit Autowire.net at www.autowire.net
Q: Ethanol-free gasoline is available where I live, but at added cost. I have a car that I store over the winter and I fill it with ethanol-free, since I’ve heard that the ethanol in gas can break down quickly. Is there any benefit to using ethanol-free in my daily drivers, a 2019 BMW X3 and a 2014 BMW 335? While we don’t go through gas these days as quickly as we did pre-pandemic, we still refill these daily drivers at least every month to six weeks.
J.B., Minneapolis
A: Ethanol-free gasoline is a good idea for storing a car. Adding some fuel stabilizer is also helpful. Using pure gasoline generally provides up to five percent better fuel economy. It is what the EPA uses to establish those fuel economy ratings and why you seldom get the stated fuel economy on the sticker. Is it worth the higher price? You decide.
Q: Which grade of gasoline would be best for storing my 18-year-old, carbureted Suzuki motorcycle? The owner’s manual says to use regular grade gasoline for everyday riding. When I store my motorcycle in the heated parking garage, I use both Sta-bil and premium gas. In the spring the next tank of gas is premium, and from then on, either regular or mid-grade gas. A motorcycle mechanic friend says I overservice my bike.
D.W., Chicago
A: In my opinion, you aren’t overmaintaining a vehicle unless you wear out the threads on the oil drain plug. Lack of adequate service, on the other hand, is asking for trouble. But you are probably wasting your money for premium gas during storage.
Q: The battery in my motorcycle seemed to be getting a bit weak, so I ordered a new one online. It came with the sulfuric acid pre-measured and packaged separately in a special plastic sleeve. If I wait until the battery already in the bike gets weaker, will I shorten the life of the new battery as long as I don’t add the acid?
B.H., Colorado Springs, Colo. A: Your new dry battery can wait until spring. Prior to the advent of maintenance-free batteries, all were shipped dry. They would keep almost indefinitely on the storage shelf of the shop or service station. Prior to installation, the cells would be filled with acid and the battery would be charged. If the mechanic was careless, burns were common.
Q: A wheel that hasn’t been removed for a long time can stick to a hub. I once had to get a tow for tire service that I could have otherwise performed myself. Is there a treatment that can be applied to prevent the sticking?
J.P., Baldwin Twp., Minn.
A: I use anti-seize compound. A thin schmear around the edge of the wheel and where it contacts the hub will do the trick.
Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an Ase-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest.