2019 Lexus GX460: A Close Look

The GX

The Toyota 4-Runner has always been a favorite off-road vehicle. It is rugged and reliable. But we always thought how nice it would be to replace that 270-horsepower V6 with a more powerful V8 and add lots of luxury goodies, while keeping that excellent quality control. That brings us to this nice Lexus GX460. It uses a similar platform of the proven 4-Runner, but the end product is an excellent upgrade that provides a pleasant driving experience.

Photos by Chad Haire

Vehicle Off-Road

On the street, the GX460 has all the items you could want in a luxury machine. Examples include mahogany wood, leather, 10-way power seats, 3-zone climate control, and plenty of electronic items to make life easier. Yet with full-time 4-wheel-drive, low range gearing, limited-slip locking differential, and crawl control, the ability to do serious off-roading is there.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Suspension

This GX460 was the upgraded LUXURY model which includes the Adaptive Air Suspension. It has load leveling ability and can raise the vehicle further off the ground to avoid large rocks during serious crawling.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Engine

Under the hood is a reliable 4.6 liter V8 cranking 301 horsepower, which does a good job of pulling this 5,100-pound rig. Fuel economy is rated at 15/18 mpg with premium fuel.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Controls

The only transmission available is a 6-speed automatic. Next to the shifter are the large switches for the air suspension, drive modes (sport, normal, and comfort), and 4x4 select for High/Low.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Rear Door

Unlike other SUVs that have a rear door that moves up, this one opens to the side. There are advantages and disadvantages to this design. For campers, it certainly allows for quicker access to your gear.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Rear Seat

The third-row seats offer a 7-passenger capacity. They can be folded down to make more storage room.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Tire

A spare tire is located under the vehicle. This allows more storage room inside by design.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Dash

The dash is well designed and provides useful information.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Glove Box

There is plenty of room in the glove box, but only if that large owner’s manual is removed.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Info Screen

The navigation screen isn't the largest but will do just fine.

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Control

Obtaining the desired seat temperature is very easy with this simple control.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Price Sheet

The base price starts at $51,125. This Luxury version costs a bit more, but it's worth it to get that excellent air suspension.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Do-it-all

Whether parked at the local country club or going on rugged dirt trails, the GX460 feels right at home.

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus GX460 right here in the ClubLexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here on the forum.