2017 Lexus GX 460: Powerful, Luxurious…and Aging
Luxury interior and legendary off-road equipment make new model a tough and reliable ride. But is that enough, or is the GX losing its edge?
One of the truisms in life is things are constantly changing, yet when a car design passes its eighth year on the market with no changes, it can damper the excitement around it. This is the case with the 2017 Lexus GX 460. There is still plenty of off-road equipment and the vehicle is certainly a true ladder-frame SUV to admire, but is it time for a new version?
Launched in 2009, the Lexus GX is the second generation of the midsize luxury SUV. Essentially built and designed to be Lexus’ version of Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado that was sold overseas, and sharing a suspension from the Toyota 4Runner, it clearly wasn’t designed for a track. Instead, the Lexus GX is really a Range Rover-like competitor with an aim at luxury off-road driving.
It certainly lives up to its off-road hype and is equipped with Toyota’s great Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which comes standard, as well as locking center differential and 4WD. It also features a rear air suspension system that allows you to raise the vehicle. Plus, there’s Toyota’s well-known Crawl Control system, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Finally, the center gauge cluster can display the angle of the vehicle for off-road situations when you need to monitor your entry and exit angles. All of these features surround the center console gear shifter, making them easily within reach of the driver.
The 2017 Lexus GX 460 is powered by a standard 4.6L V8 mated to a 6 speed engine that produces 301 HP and 329 lb-ft of torque. This feels well balanced for the 5,130 lb SUV, which measures 192 inches long with the same 74.2 inches for width and height. Most of the power seems to reside on the low end, and while this should mean it is feels quick, it simply doesn’t have much in the way of driving excitement. Instead it moves along admirably with the off-road suspension reminding you of the pros/cons of a unibody versus a body-on-frame SUV. Plus, the drivetrain is EPA rated at a rather dismal 15/18/16 city/highway/combined.
The luxury trim inside the GX 460 is a nice touch, but the interior design feels
cramped and space is sacrificed for the off-road equipment’s knobs.
These dimensions and its overall exterior design create the sense of a tank-like SUV. This is reinforced by the September 2013 design change to incorporate the new spindle grille style found in other Lexus products, as well as the LED headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The large, bold grille dominates the front end with stylish lines connecting the bottom fascia to the top. This strong look is a offset a bit by the rear where there are oddly-designed rear lamps and a non-descript finish. It leaves a desire for a more finished and complete look.
Inside the leather-trimmed driver’s seat is a commanding position, with heated/ventilated, 10-way power seats offering a plush ride. Our test model was the Luxury trim with second-row captain’s chairs, which is new for 2017. While these chairs allow for easier access to the third-row, they don’t stand out as being anything special.
The luxury trim featured throughout the inside of the GX 460 adds a nice touch, but the interior design feels cramped and space is sacrificed for the buttons and knobs of the off-road equipment.
Our test model featured the excellent Mark Levinson premium audio system. It has a handy trackpad that is used to access the infotainment system, which has an eight-inch screen that sits buried in the center console. However, it would really be better off following the lead of its larger brother, the Lexus LX 570, and putting the display on top of the dash. Also, in the back, our ride included a dual-screen entertainment system with seven-inch screens.
The truth is the 2017 Lexus GX 460 is starting to show its age. From the exterior design and its large, swinging outward rear door to the interior and its small screens and cramped space, it is due time for a big refresh. Yet, if you live in an area where the off-road gear is necessary, the GX 460 offers that in spades along with a smaller, easier to maneuver size.
