1
0
Premium midsize SUV; Built in Japan
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $26,100 – $52,900*


2010 Lexus GX 460 front


2010 Lexus GX 460 rear


2010 Lexus GX 460 interior


2010 Lexus GX 460 profile


2010 Lexus GX 460


2010 Lexus GX 460


2010 Lexus GX 460

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Build quality
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Handling

Given the rise of car-type crossover SUVs, a V8-powered luxury SUV with truck-type architecture and serious off-roading hardware is a very anachronistic vehicle these days. For SUV shoppers who truly need off-road prowess and towing capability in their luxury SUV, GX 460 is well worth considering. However, most buyers would be better served by the superior fuel economy and more-polished road manners of crossover SUVs such as Acura’s MDX and Lexus’ own RX.

Overview

Launched for 2010, the GX 460 replaced the outgoing GX 470 as Lexus’ off-road-oriented midsize SUV. The new GX 460 was a seven-passenger wagon that used traditional truck-type construction. Sharing its basic design with Toyota’s 4Runner SUV, which also was redesigned for 2010, the GX 460 came in Base or Premium trim. Sole powertrain was a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity was 6,500 pounds. Standard all-wheel drive included a low-range gear for off-roading. Also standard were hill ascent and descent control along with Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which could temporarily “release” the anti-roll bars as needed to improve off-road suspension travel. Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front- and second-row side airbags, and front knee airbags. New features for 2010 included a lane-departure warning system and Lexus’ Safety Connect assistance system, which incorporated collision notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance. A rearview camera and third-row power split-folding seat were standard on all GXs. The Premium model included a self-leveling driver-adjustable air suspension, heated steering wheel, adaptive xenon headlamps, and rear air conditioning. The optional navigation system came with Lexus’ Enform system, which included customizable navigation destinations that owners could program on their home computers and send directly to the vehicle. Among other options were DVD entertainment, a park-assist system, front- and side-view cameras, and adaptive cruise control. Premium-midsize SUV competitors included the Land Rover LR4, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne.

Yearly Updates

2011 GX 460
Little changed in the second season of the Lexus GX 460.
2012 GX 460
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Lexus GX 460.
2013 GX 460
The 2013 Lexus GX 460 was unchanged.
2014 GX 460
For 2014, the GX 460 wore new front-end styling with the brand’s bold spindle-style grille. Other updates included available blind-spot and rear-cross-traffic alert. There was also a new touchscreen infotainment system with updated multimedia functions.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

A single powertrain has been available in the GX 460: a 4.6-liter V8 engine that develops 301 horsepower, teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard all-wheel drive included low-range gearing.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.6/281
Engine HP 301
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 329
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 15/20

 16.7

Road Test

Despite GX 460’s considerable heft, acceleration is strong and exceptionally smooth in both around-town and highway driving. The transmission downshifts promptly for good passing punch.

Fuel economy is nothing to boast about, as expected. In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 15.9 mpg with slightly more city driving than highway use. In mostly highway driving, we averaged 17.5 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.

Ride quality is smooth and absorbent overall, though GX 460’s truck-based roots are evident in slight bounce and occasional wobble on blemished surfaces. The Premium model’s driver-adjustable suspension rides best in Normal mode; Comfort mode brings some float and wallow, and Sport mode brings stiffness over bumps.

Traditional truck-type construction results in handling with marked cornering lean, yet GX doesn’t feel tippy. Steering is nicely weighted but lacks road feel. Hill ascent and descent assists are useful off-road. Stopping power is good, though simulated panic stops produce plenty of nosedive, and brake-pedal feel is touchy.

The engine is near-silent at cruise, rising to a muted growl in fast acceleration. Slight wind buffeting is noticeable at speeds greater than 55 mph. Coarse-surface tire noise is evident but not annoying.

Big electroluminescent gauges are easy to read, and most controls are within easy reach. The navigation system is easy enough to learn, but its screen can “wash out” in some bright-sunlight conditions. The understated cabin has very good fit and finish, with mostly quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. Testers have been divided on some of the trim. Some considered the satin metal-look trim handsome; others said it’s not very convincing.

Front occupants get high, commanding seating. A standard power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel and power seats provide a wide range of comfortable positions. Space is plentiful for all but the tallest occupants. A large rear window and generously sized rearview mirrors help rear visibility, though large rear roof pillars hamper the view to the rear corners. High step-in hampers entry and exit.

Decent leg, head, and foot space are available in the second row, though the seat is too low for best thigh support. The middle rider sits on a hard cushion over the driveshaft hump. The passenger-side second-row seat slides and tilts forward to ease third-row access, though those seats are cramped and uncomfortable for anyone but kids. Small door openings and a tall step-in can make for awkward entry and exit.

Cargo space is ample. Second-row seats slide fore and aft to favor passenger or cargo space, and they may be folded to create a flat load floor. Standard power-folding third-row seats may be operated from the rear of the vehicle, but the folding action is slow. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the rear cargo area is generous. GX 460’s swing-out rear door opens from the driver’s side, which can complicate curbside access. However, it also includes a top-hinged opening rear window and a hydraulic prop rod in place of door-hinge detents. The prop rod holds the door open at any angle–a nice feature in tight quarters. The door can also be locked in the “full-open” position by twisting the prop rod. Small-item storage is average.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Lexus GX 460 Premium w/nav.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 60

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
109.8 189.2 74.2 72.6
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
64.7 23.0 7
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.0 35.2 41.7 29.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Not tested 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Steering problems
Description: The steering column may rattle on rough roads unless the intermediate shaft snap ring has been replaced. (2010)
Paint/body
Description: Paint peels and chips off the front bumper. (2010-11)
Electrical problem
Description: Smart key battery life is shortened if left near items that may emit electrical noise such as TVs, computer monitors, PCs, notebooks, cell phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc. (2010-11)
Entertainment problems
Description: USB and iPod devices may work intermittently on some vehicles unless the multi-media control unit is replaced. (2010)

Recall History

2010
Description: If some vehicles manufactured from November 16, 2009 through April 8, 2010 are driven through a sharp turn at high speed, the vehicle may skid sideways, which, under certain conditions, might result in a rollover.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
Share this:
, , , , , , , ,