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It's been almost a year, but I finally saw this question.
I just find the GX 470 to be the Goldilocks truck. I've had several trucks and driven many, many others, and the GX is my favorite of all due to the way it feels, the size, the quality, and the entire package. I think it was a high-water mark for Toyota.
Here's my background and perspective: For 30 years I've made it a hobby to test-drive lots of vehicles, partly just because I enjoy knowing what other vehicles are like, and partly because I'm always on the lookout for something I'd rather own (I've owned about 40 vehicles in my life, but not so many lately because I have three that don't want to give up). In most cases I actually drove the GX down to the dealerships to test-drive many of the potential competitor trucks, so I had a great back-to-back comparison. These include the Mercedes G and multiple GL models, BMW X5 models, Porsche Cayenne models, Infinity FX and QX models, Land Rover models, other LEXUS and Toyota models, domestics, etc. Never have I gotten out of a competitor truck and felt that I wanted to give up my GX for one. The nearest I've ever come was giving in to my wife who wanted an LX 570, but the GX stayed and we eventually got rid of the LS 430 (have had two of those). And I've also traveled on business a good bit and I rent something different every trip if I have the opportunity. And my friends and family have a wide variety of vehicles, mostly trucks. So, there's not much I haven't driven short of the exotics.
Compared to the LX 470 and LX 570, I like the lighter weight of the GX - yet it still has the rugged Land Cruiser build quality - and I like the overall feel on the road. Specifically, I like the size of it and the more nimble feel, I like the height (especially the doors), I LOVE the way the throttle, transmission and brakes modulate just perfectly, and it's always instantly in the right gear. And I like the way it steers. And I like the seats with the attached arm rests, and the side-benefit that a passenger can access the center console without me having lift my arm off of the arm rest. I like the fact that mine doesn't have stupid navigation and the lawyer button and the annoying HVAC and radio controls on an electronic screen instead of having buttons like God intended. I even like the rear barn door!
One place where I would take the LX over the GX is as an interstate cruiser. But around town and most secondary roads, I really enjoy the GX.
I do not like the GX 460 as much as the GX 470. I've driven them 5 or 6 times hoping to warm up to one of them in case I need to, or want to, replace the 470 some day. I just don't care for them. They feel to me like a Nissan, not a LEXUS.
I drive the LX equivalent on the sedan side...a 460L. Had an Audi S5 as a fun car but sold it over the summer so the 460 could be in the garage and out of intense FL sun. Posting the S5 pic as well just for fun and good memories.
I also have a 2017 S550 and wife drives 2012 RX 350. Also have 1991 Mercedes Benz 560-SEL with 207,000 miles on it. It’s the cleanest 560-SRL you will find!
I have a 2016 F-350 CC 4X4 King Ranch, 2018 Ford Raptor Crew and a 2018 Ford Expedition EL Platinum on order. I get to drive the LX when that comes in. I have a collection of motorcycles which is my true passion. 2016 Ducati Panigale S, 2016 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak, 2014 Yamaha Vmax, 2016 BMW R1200GS Adventure, 2015 Harley CVO Road Glide, Husquarvarna 701 Super Motoard and a collection of dirt bikes. KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Husy 701 Vitpulin and Kawasaki H2 SX SE on order.
12-30-17, 11:02 PM
I even like the rear barn door!
