Now in its second generation, the seven-passenger Lexus GX 460 full-size sport utility returns for 2023 with a starting price of $57,575 (plus $1,150 freight) for the base model.
Also in the lineup are the Premium ($58,910); Black Line Special Edition ($62,310), and top-of-the-line Luxury ($67,080), which we tested for this report.
For 2023, the GX carries over without any major changes. Four-wheel drive is standard across the board, and is a true trail-ready system.
This is the second year for the Black Line Special Edition, which returns with some additional features. It’s technically an upgrade to the Premium model, but it’s limited to a production run of 3,000 units.
The Luxury model now comes standard with the Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 330-watt Premium Surround Sound Audio System, which previously was an extra-cost option.
All models continue to be powered by the 4.6-liter V-8 engine, with 301 horsepower and 329 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Our Luxury test vehicle came with the Off-Road Package ($1,570), which added such special features as a multi-terrain panoramic-view monitor, a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, Crawl Control, and multi-terrain drive-mode selector.
Also included was the Sport Design Package ($2,020), which brought 19-inch dark-gray metallic alloy wheels, , second-row tilt/slide dual captain’s chairs (in place of three-person bench seat), unique lower grille trim, front and rear bumper spoilers, dark gray exhaust tip, and chrome-trimmed outside mirrors.
The test vehicle came in the Atomic Silver exterior color with Rioja Red semi-aniline leather interior and Gray Sapele wood with Aluminum interior trim.
Standard interior features of the Luxury model include the Lexus Memory System; 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilate front seats; reclining, sliding middle-row bench seat with 40/20/40-split seatback (replaced by the captain’s chairs on our vehicle); fold-flat third-row seats; heated second-row outboard seats; three-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter; the semi-aniline leather interior trim; wood- and leather-trimmed/heated steering wheel; power-reclining and -folding third-row seats; cargo-area tonneau cover; and illuminated door-sill scuff plates.
On the outside, the GX Luxury model has true truck-style sport-utility vehicle body-on-frame construction; premium triple-beam LED headlights with washers; power moon roof; privacy glass; illuminated running boards; roof rails; LED fog lights; rain-sensing windshield wipers with de-icers; and heated power-folding outside mirrors.
Added last year was the 10.3-in high-resolution touch screen multimedia display. Other tech features include a color multi-information display; rear-seat reminder; Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity; SiriusXM radio with three-month trial subscription; remote touchpad; Lexus Enform Wi-Fi with 4gb/three-month trial; and the Lexus Enform Remote (accessible via Lexus app; works with Alexa and Google).
There are four USB ports, two front/two rear; SmartAccess with pushbutton start/stop; backup camera; Navigation System; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; and Dynamic Voice Command.
The Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation is free for the first three years of ownership, and includes Lexus Enform Destination Assist.
High-tech safety features abound on the GX 460. They include the Lexus Safety System-Plus, with Pre-Collision System and Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert; High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Intelligent High Beams; Lexus Enform Safety Connect (included for the first three years of ownership); Lexus Enform Service Connect (with up to 10-year trial subscription); and the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Other safety features include 10 standard air bags, Trailer Sway Control and Intuitive Parking Assist.
Among the performance features are the full-time four-wheel drive with Active Traction Control; the Adaptive Variable Suspension, with auto-leveling rear air suspension and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
The dual captain’s chairs available for the second row of seats will cut the vehicle’s capacity to six people. Otherwise, the GX 460 seats seven. But the third row is tight for adults, so is best left to larger children.
Premium models are created by adding to the base GX such features as leather seats, mahogany wood interior trim, rain-sensing wipers with windshield de-icer, 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, LED fog lights, intuitive parking assist, heated/ventilated front bucket seats, heated outboard second-row seats, three-zone automatic climate control, touch-screen navigation with voice control, and the Lexus Enform telematics/connectivity system with app suite and destination assist.
The included Lexus Enform Service Connect allows owners to have remote access to information about the vehicle. The available information includes maintenance alerts, warning-light notifications, and vehicle health reports that include email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more.
Also, the Lexus Enform Remote allows the operator to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Key features include remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.
Previously known as the GX 470, since 2010 the vehicle has been called the GX 460, reflecting a change for the second generation to the 4.6-liter V-8 engine, replacing the previous 4.7-liter.
Among Lexus vehicles, this is one of two traditional sport utilities. The other is the slightly more expensive LX 570. The GX essentially is a fancier version of the Toyota 4Runner, while the LX is a higher-end version of the Toyota Land Cruiser (now discontinued).
The current 4Runner no longer offers a V-8 engine – it comes only with a 4.0-liter V-6 – so the GX 460 gives a V-8 option to 4Runner fans, along with more luxury. That allows for more towing capacity as well – the GX460 can pull trailers weighing up to 6,500 pounds, versus 4,700 pounds for the 4Runner.
With the base GX 460, you get NuLuxe (faux leather) upholstery with natural grain and Linear Espresso Wood/Abyss Black trim. Headlight washers are available.
Both the GX and 4Runner are built on the same architecture, but on the GX, the fulltime four-wheel drive is standard. And for fans of off-road driving, the system is a true four-wheel drive, with low-range gearing available through a toggle-switch-activated transfer case for serious trail driving.
Great off-road capability has always been one of the hallmarks of four-wheel-drive equipped 4Runners and the GX, and the current GX 460 also includes some of the innovative trail-driving features of the LX 570.
There was plenty of power in our GX tester, even on mountain roads we experienced during our test week. We did not tow any trailers, but have done so with the V-6 powered 4Runner, which does quite even with a trailer towing a car behind.
EPA fuel-economy ratings for the GX 460 are 15 mpg city/19 highway/16 combined. During our test, we averaged about 16.3 mpg with mostly highway and country-road driving.
No driver input is needed for normal driving in four-wheel drive; but the driver can lock it into four-wheel-drive high or low range as conditions warrant. There is a Torsen limited-slip center differential with electronic lock.
The advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System is designed to provide improved on-road ride and handling while keeping the vehicle’s off-road capability.
With the standard bench seat, the GX has room for three passengers in the middle row and it can be moved up to 4.1 inches forward or backward to allow for longer or shorter legs in either row, or to maximize cargo space behind the second seat (with the third seat folded).
The 60/40 split second-row seat can be folded, as well, to increase cargo space, and it also can recline. The third seat has a standard power folding feature to increase cargo capacity with the seat isn’t needed for passengers – otherwise, space is quite limited behind the third row – under 10 cubic feet.
On the GX, the tailgate opens to the right side in one piece, or the glass can be flipped up separately with the rest of the tailgate still in place.
The GX is very quiet at highway speeds, allowing passengers to enjoy the entertainment system or conduct conversations in normal voices.
There is an electronically adjustable suspension with three modes — normal, sport and comfort. Crawl Control, included in the Off-Road Package, is designed for slow off-road driving over rugged terrain. It automatically modulates the throttle and brake, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering, and can help free the vehicle from sand, mud or snow.
Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control are standard on the GX 460, both designed for driving on steep hills – on or off the pavement.
With freight and options, our 2023 GX460 Luxury model had a total sticker price of $72,800.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.
2023 Lexus GX 460
The package: Midsize, five-door, V-8 powered, fulltime four-wheel-drive, six- or seven-passenger luxury sport utility vehicle.
Highlights: The second generation of the Lexus truck-based midsize sport utility vehicle continues on for 2023, offering truck-style ruggedness and reliability in a package that combines great off-road capability with good on-road ride and handling.
Negatives: Third seat is not roomy enough for full-size adults
Engine: 4.6-liter V-8.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 301 HP./329 foot-pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; side-curtain for all three rows.
Overall length: 192.1 inches.
Curb weight: 5,130-5,198 pounds.
Cargo volume: 9.0 cubic feet (behind third seat); 47.2 cubic feet (third seat folded).
Towing capacity: 6,500 pounds.
Major competitors: Nissan Armada, Infiniti QX80, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes-Benz GL 450, Audi Q7.
Fuel capacity/type: 23 gallons/unleaded premium (91 octane).
EPA fuel economy: 15 mpg city/19 highway/16 combined.
Base price range: $57,575-$67,080, plus $1,150 freight.
Price as tested: $72,800, including freight and options (2023 Luxury model).
On the Road rating: 9.2 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.