Lexus GX

The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size SUV built in Tahara plant in Japan and sold only on the North American markets by Toyota's luxury division, Lexus. It was introduced in November 2002 as a 2003 model as Lexus's true answer to the BMW X5, Acura MDX, Land Rover LR3 and Porsche Cayenne, and is visually almost identical to the current models of the Toyota Land Cruiser sold on the European markets. It was released at the same time as the Infiniti FX45, its competitor.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Lexus GX 460 Review.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Lexus GX 470 Review.

Recent Changes

 * The GX 470 hasn't changed too much since it was introduced in 2003. This year, it receives a few new exterior colors and some updates to interior items like the parking brake handle.


 * The second-generation GX debuted at the 2009 Auto Guangzhou Motor Show in China on the last week of November 2009. The new model, dubbed GX 460 sees a reduction in the displacement of its powerplant from 4.7 to 4.6 litres as a result of getting Toyota's new 4.6-liter V8 engine from the Tundra that makes 310-horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 47 hp and 4 lb-ft. of torque more over the old 4.7 mill. The new GX is based off of the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and is set to go on sale in early 2010. The new car was designed under global design manager Simon Humphries.

Styles and Major Options
The Lexus GX 470 comes in just one base trim. It is equipped with a 4.7L 263hp V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, and full time four wheel drive. Its list of safety features is impressive, as detailed below, and amenities abound within. Some of the key features include:


 * 17" silver alloy wheels
 * 8-way power driver (4-way power passenger) heated front seats with driver seat memory
 * Leather interior, door trim, shift knob, and steering wheel
 * Express open/close sunroof
 * Dual zone front automatic air conditioning
 * 11-speaker AM/FM/MP3/6CD in-dash changer audio system
 * Homelink Wireless Control System
 * Compass, exterior temperature monitor, trip computer

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.

Performance
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability
There is not yet any accurate reliability data for the new GX 470, but the latest information on the 2004 model, as reported by Automotive Information Systems, reveals that it received their highest mark with an overall Green reliability rating, which indicates minimal problems in all categories.

Safety
Currently, the NHTSA website has no safety test information listed for the 2007 GX 470. However, according to Autos.com, the GX 470 ranks tied for 3rd with the Acura MDX and its siblings, the Lexus RX 330 and RX 400h, in the Luxury SUV category for Safety. Some of the standard safety features on the GX470 are:
 * Traction control
 * Electronic stability control
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Four wheel anti-lock brakes
 * Driver/Passenger front impact airbags
 * Driver/Passenger seat mounted side impact airbags
 * 1st/2nd row overhead side curtain airbags
 * Occupancy sensors
 * Side-impact bars

Colors
A full list of colors can be viewed at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available choices include:

Exterior
 * Ash Blue Mica
 * Black Onyx
 * Blizzard Pearl
 * Nautical Blue
 * Savannah Metallic

Interior
 * Gray
 * Ivory

Main Competitors

 * Acura MDX
 * Cadillac SRX
 * Land Rover Range Rover
 * Infiniti FX
 * Volvo XC90
 * Land Rover Range Rover Sport
 * BMW X5

Hybrid Models
There are currently no hybrid models of the GX 470 in production.

Unique Attributes
The GX 470 offers the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which frees and adjusts the GX's stabilizer bars so that each wheel can move with less restriction over uneven terrain. This option uses front and rear hydraulic pressure-sensing valves and larger stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during off-road conditions, while retaining smooth ride quality on regular road surfaces.

Interior
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Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the GX 470 is expected to retain a high resale value, holding 68% of its purchase price at 24-months and an amazing 56% at 48 months. That's far better than the Cadillac SRX, Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, but on a par with the Land Rover LR3, Volkswagen Touareg, Infiniti FX45 and BMW X5.

Criticisms

 * There are only a few disappointing aspects to this largely well-designed vehicle. The regular stereo system is disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.  Lexus needed to have a noticeable step up to the Mark Levinson system that came with the $4K navigation package.  The rear door swings on hinges without the smoothness you'd hope for in such a vehicle.
 * "If it's cargo space you crave, the GX 470's third-row seat takes up most of the cargo hold and you have to lug them in and out (as opposed to being able to fold them into the floor). This added hassle may make it difficult to justify the added size and gas consumption." - Kelley Blue Book

First Generation/Origins: (2003-2009)
The 2005 GX 470s are powered by a 4.7 L, 32-valve, four-cam V8 engine with 270 hp (201 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is also the largest engine that has ever been put into a Lexus.

The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, a 4 wheel drive system, and its interior offers a place for up to eight passengers.

This vehicle is a competent contender for serious off-roading while civilized enough for everyday driving. The MSRP is averaged at about US $50,000. It has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year from 4X4 Magazine.

In the Lexus lineup, it is situated between the premium LX 470 and the entry-level luxury RX 330.

The vehicle offers many refinements over its sister truck under the Toyota label. Almost 40 pounds of noise insulation is added, making for a surprisingly quiet ride.

The GX 470 has good acceleration for a large vehicle. The downside is the poor mileage the GX 470 gets...only about 14MPG in city driving. The ease with which the back seat can be folded down for added cargo room is commendable.

Worldwide
The GX 470 is mainly sold in North America; similar versions are sold in Europe and Australasia under the Land Cruiser moniker.

Design quirks and oddities
The rear door does not swing upward, but rather opens to one side.

Awards

 * 4-Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004 from 4x4 Magazine.
 * Highest ranked premium luxury SUV in initial quality in 2005, J.D. Power and Associates.
 * Kelley Blue Book gave the GX 470 its Best Resale Value Award in 2006.