Lexus GX 460: A Capable Off-Roader That Pampers You
It may be a seriously luxurious SUV, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it up some trails.
We’re going to go out on a limb here and guess that the number of people who off road their Lexus GX 460 numbers somewhere in the single digits. You really can’t blame them, of course. After all, the $50-$60,000 luxury ‘ute seems more at home on Rodeo Drive than on the Rubicon Trail. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hit the local off road park in your big bodied SUV.
“The Lexus GX 460 is a full-capability luxury SUV that’s as at home on the trail as it is in the city or suburbs,” the Post-Crescent points out in a recent review.
It all starts with the full-time all wheel drive system, but there’s much more at work underneath. A Torsen torque-sensing limited slip center differential distributes power based on wheel slip. And there’s even a low range in the two speed transfer case designed for off roading. Not to mention a differential that can be locked electronically.
In addition to those mechanical goodies, some truly modern technology steps in to smooth out your weekend trail runs. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) helps reduce body lean without the need for stiff off road springs and dampers. When you encounter an uneven surface, the system automatically flows fluid between cylinders to keep all four tires planted on the ground.
‘The Lexus GX 460 is as at home on the trail
as it is in the city or suburbs.’
And while the system does all the dirty work for you, you’ll be pampered in many ways. The Post-Crescent lauds the GX 460 for its “renowned Lexus comfort,” and praises its “distinctive, standout style.” Loads of convenient technology features abound, like the subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite. This series of apps allow you to pick a restaurant based on Yelp reviews, book a reservation there on OpenTable, and even check in on Facebook once you arrive.
Of course, you can do all that from either an unpaved or paved road. But we’re going to guess that nine times out of ten, it’ll be from the latter.
