2021 Lexus GX 460 Review: An extremely particular group of skills
The term “stalwart” appears like it was designed for the 2021 Lexus GX 460. In production since 2009, and only relatively gently massaged since that time, the huge SUV’s resilience to substitute is really a reminder that – for a few applications – newer needn’t constantly mean better. In the event that you occupy the center-place of a distinct segment Venn diagram combining correct off-roading, luxury, and larger groups, the GX may find itself on your own (very brief) shortlist.
Prices starts at $53,450 for the access 2021 GX 460, though by enough time you can the 2021 GX 460 Luxury you see right here it’s around $64,715 (plus $1,025 location).
The thought of a Lexus off-roader nevertheless seems just a little strange; in the end, the automaker is most beneficial known because of its sybaritic sedans and SUVs. Meanwhile, though the majority of the large, lavish SUVs from high-class brands pay lip services to capability off the asphalt, the GX gets the hardware to actually back again up those offers.
That’s because within the sheet metal is really a platform distributed to Toyota’s 4Runner, and which has reputable mud-plugger cred. The truck’s body-on-frame construction can be an instant indication that the GX indicates company, and it’s paired with a large, naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 and full-time 4WD.
Coupled with a six-speed automated no shortage of traction, the GX’s 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque depart it unexpectedly fast in a straight range. It’s furthermore rated for 6,500 lbs of towing, that is better than almost all SUVs. The flip-aspect will be thirst, having an EPA ranking of simply 15 mpg in the town, 19 mpg on the road, and 16 mpg mixed.
What models the GX 460 in addition to the 4Runner – and even nearly all trucks you’d consider taking right out in to the wilds – will be how Lexus gowns up its talents. The surface got a revamp in 2020 with among the automaker’s sizable spindle grilles, although outsize proportions in fact look pretty suitable on the slab-sided GX. LED lights are regular.
At the trunk, there’s a side-hinged tailgate for accessing the 11.6 cu-ft trunk, though Lexus didn’t visit the hard work of flipping the hinges and handles to create it easier to gain access to from American curbs. Fall the 3rd row of seats also it expands to 46.7 cu-ft; fall the second row aswell, and it’ll net you 64.7 cu-ft. They’re strong numbers, however, not class-major: an Audi Q7 or BMW X7 each greatest the Lexus there.
I wouldn’t have a Q7 or X7 to areas where I’d confidence a GX, nevertheless. The full-time all-wheel-drive taps an electronically-locking Torsen limited-slip middle differential, nudging energy between your front and back axles based on traction requirements. Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension Program (KDSS) can increase steering wheel articulation for uneven terrain, and you can find 8.1-inches of surface clearance. Where competition succumb to the aesthetic allure of huge rims and skinny rubber, Lexus’ 18- and 19-inch tires don’t skimp on the sidewall.
The effect is really a properly serene trip on the highway, with quality and peaceful that belies the GX’s age and skills. The GX High-class has adaptive adjustable suspension and auto-leveling back air suspension, as well, which supports the feeling of composure. That is not at all a performance vehicle – the upright position means corners are much better dealt with with gentle regard – but also for lengthy road journeys with six or seven onboard (based on in the event that you spec the optional 2nd row captain’s chairs) that is refined things.
Period has been its minimum generous to the GX’s cabin. THE BLISSFUL LUXURY trim’s semi-aniline buckskin is pleasurable, and there’s tri-zone environment control, heated/ventilated top seats, heated 2nd row seats, and strength third-row seats, however the style is usually dated. Lexus’ switchgear seems strong, and I don’t question it’ll go the length, but the copious control keys and two-tone gray colour scheme are definately not looking modern. Also the fancy wood vacation, sandwiching slim threads of metal, eventually ends up looking moveé using its high-lacquer surface finish.
It will get more frustrating once you switch to the infotainment. Lexus and Toyota haven’t specifically been known because of their touchscreen UX – though you can find promising signs that maybe it’s changing today – and the GX underscores that. With Amazon Alexa help this is “probably the most sophisticated GX actually,” Lexus features, but that’s really not really saying much. The 8-inches touchscreen has clunky images, there’s no Apple company CarPlay or Android Car, and the 360-diploma camera continues to be optional.
Protection tech, at the very least, feels fairly contemporary. Blind-spot monitoring with back cross-traffic alerts, pre-collision warnings with pedestrian recognition, lane departure alerts, and adaptive cruise handle are standard, as are 10 airbags. The mid-spec GX Superior trim throws in parking help. Combined with Lexus’ popularity for sturdiness and dependability, it’s perhaps no real surprise that residual ideals are a specific high-place for the burly SUV.
2021 Lexus GX 460 Verdict
This is of why is a “great” SUV has changed significantly since Lexus released this era of GX back 2009. In the past, “utility” meant “consider you places that other automobiles wouldn’t dare attempt.” Nowadays, items have skewed to even more refinement, more luxury functions, and the reassurance of AWD for the casual snowstorm or once-in-a-blue-moon experience with a tow hitch.
By those metrics, the GX struggles to contend with the Q7’s, X7’s, XC90’s, and comparable of the planet. Pitch it at an off-road training course, though, and it’ll easily out-class them; a Property Rover Defender can keep up, or perhaps a Discovery, but everybody else provides nudged their concentrate to even more on-road manners.
I can’t actually blame the marketplace for that: in the end, the audience for an extravagance three-row SUV that simply so is actually eminently backwoods-able is predictably little. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is oddly interesting for the reason that hyper-focused way, even though for some drivers it’s definately not being your best option in an significantly crowded segment. In the event that you truly want its capabilities there’s small out there enjoy it, but I suspect the getting older interior will drive a lot of people to a well-spec’d brand-new Defender.
