The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Lexus GX460 could stand some upgrades
Seven-passenger SUVs are clearly what large families want to cover all of their needs in the peopleand cargo-hauling category.
Now think about the anomaly: the people who want a luxury vehicle, but also want to sit up high and have the off-road capability of a Jeep? Bingo — the Lexus GX460.
Lexus has pushed its flagship seven-passenger people-mover, the GX460, for many years and its smaller sibling, our recently tested Toyota 4Runner. The low production numbers of the GX460 notwithstanding, Lexus strives to create luxury and class in its flagship while confirming that quantity isn’t its priority. Off-roading capability without sacrificing luxury is their top focus. The small number of consumers in this market are exactly why the Lexus’ GX is still on the market today.
The Lexus GX460 monster SUV provides a truckstyle, full-frame chassis, with a body-on construction. The elevated point of entry states that this SUV might as well be a truck while delivering an exceptionally smooth ride from its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. In Off-road mode, the GX460 automatically locks in brake assist and has quicker throttle response, but the ride is much stiffer.
A plush, spacious and roomy interior is the status quo in the GX460, with Lexus’ ultra-smooth leather interior and familiarly un
A look at the Lexus GX460. attractive infotainment system that really needs to be renewed. Similar to the 4Runner, the infotainment is lackluster against competing, grander infotainment systems.
Although the Lexus Safety System is standard on the GX460, it still seems like it is dated compared to others like Volvo and BMW.
On the 2020 refresh, we noticed a revived spindle grille and overdue triple-beam headlights. Still, the GX doesn’t have a remote start option from its key fob, which even the Jeep Wrangler has.
Powering the seven-passenger behemoth is a 301 hp (329 lb.-ft. of torque) 4.6-liter V8 engine that is sufficiently paired with a sixspeed automatic transmission. Suitable for the job would be an understatement. Full-time four-wheeldrive is also standard.
Although the Lexus GX460 is heavy and big, albeit semi-luxurious and clean, the competition is strong — the Range Rover
Sport holds up better offroad, and the Lincoln Navigator and BMW X5 show more luxury on the inside.
The fuel-guzzling GX460 was significantly low at 15 mpg city and 19 highway; we got a disappointing 16.4 on a week-long test with the really good-looking extras provided via a $2,000 Sport Design Package. It still holds up pretty well in this category with limited consumers and next to no competition.
We look forward to another overall refresh soon as the GX460 just doesn’t outweigh the limited competition in the off-road category and certainly could take some notes from the enormous competition in the luxury department for the price point that it’s in.
Nowthinkabout the anomaly: the peoplewho want a luxury vehicle, but alsowant to sit up high and have the off-road capability of a Jeep? Bingo— the Lexus GX460.