| Premium midsize SUV; Built in Japan |
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| Good condition price range: $15,200 – $34,500* |
2003 Lexus GX470
2004 Lexus GX470
2005 Lexus GX470
Lexus GX470 interior
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The GX 470 is roomier than an Infiniti FX or BMW’s X5, though not as sporty. More modern than the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, it’s no larger inside. The quality and red-carpet dealer service associated with the Lexus brand help this embellished 4Runner compete in the luxury SUV field. Still, car-based rivals such as the Acura MDX and Lexus’ own RX 330 are more sensible choices overall.
Overview
Lexus added a third luxury sport-utility vehicle for 2003, to fill the gap between its car-based RX 300 and truck-type LX 470. The GX 470 shared a new body-on-frame design with the redesigned 2003 4Runner from parent company Toyota. Its V8 and five-speed automatic transmission also were found in the 4Runner, as well as the 2003 LX 470. So was the standard all-wheel-drive system, with low-range gearing and a locking center differential.
Unique to the GX was Lexus’s new Downhill Assist Control, which automatically applied the brakes to limit speed down steep grades. Also included was Hill-start Ascent Control, which could hold the vehicle in place on an incline for five seconds.
Standard features included 17-inch wheels, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with full-power assist, and an antiskid/traction control system. In addition to front torso side airbags, the GX 470 had curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows. Also included were a self-leveling rear air suspension, height-adjustable suspension, and automatic shock-absorber control within four driver-selectable modes.
Further imitating big-brother LX were standard leather upholstery, automatic climate control, an in-dash CD changer, driver-seat memory system, and lighted running boards. Unlike 4Runner, the GX 470 offered a third-row bench seat for up to eight-passenger capacity, the same as the LX. The GX had a swing-open tailgate with fixed glass, versus the 4Runner’s liftgate with power-opening window.
Options included a navigation system, premium Mark Levinson audio, heated front seats, rear air conditioning, and a rear DVD entertainment system. A sunroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers also were available. Maximum towing capacity was 5000 pounds (6500 with the optional towing package). GX rivals included the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.
Yearly Updates
| 2004 GX 470 As the 2004 model year opened, the GX 470 stood pat, until several new features appeared early in the calendar year. A tire-pressure monitor joined the standard-equipment list at midseason, along with a roll-detection sensor for the head-protecting first- and second-row curtain side airbags. Also at midyear, Lexus’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension became optional. It used sensor-activated electro-hydraulic couplings that temporarily “released” the antiroll bars as needed to improve comfort and stability on rough surfaces. Starting at midseason, the optional navigation screen also served as a monitor that displayed a rear view when Reverse gear was selected. |
| 2005 GX 470 More power marked the 2005 model, as the V6 engine gained 35 horsepower. Hill ascent/descent control was designed to maintain a slow, steady speed on steep grades. |
| 2006 GX 470 New for 2006 was optional Digital Lexus Link assistance/concierge service. |
| 2007 GX 470 GX 470 carried over unchanged. |
| 2008 GX 470 The 2008 Lexus GX 470 was largely unchanged. |
| 2009 GX 470 Once again, the GX 470 saw few changes. |
