On sale since the 2010 model year, the current-generation Lexus GX 460 is old, but you wouldn’t know it from a look at the controversial spindle grille it’s had since a 2014 model year facelift. As one of the few body-on-frame luxury SUVs left, we drove the GX 460 to see if it’s still worthy of consideration. In addition to driving on pavement, we went off the beaten path to see if the GX 460’s bones give it the same off-road chops as its platform mates, the Toyota 4Runner and the global market Land Cruiser Prado.
Powered by a 4.6-liter V-8 with 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque, the 5,211-pound GX 460 to hit 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and finished the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 88.6 mph. The standard six-speed automatic transmission, however, tends to shift too early when left to its own devices. Stopping from 60 mph took 133 feet, but associate road test editor Erick Ayapana observed a lot of dive during hard braking and an overly aggressive seat belt pretensioner, both of which we also experienced driving on the streets during emergency and panic stops.
During handling tests, the GX 460 produced a lateral acceleration of 0.72 g and completed the figure eight in 28.6 seconds with a 0.60 g average. Testing director Kim Reynolds was surprised that you can throw the GX 460 around with quite a bit of enthusiasm and that it has a nonintrusive stability control system. However, he did remark that its huge body motions indicate that the GX 460 is tuned more for comfort and off-road capability.
Because it shares its platform with some of the best off-roaders available, the 2017 Lexus GX 460 has the right underpinnings for tackling all types of terrain. However, it also has to work as a luxury car, which means it needs to have a great ride and a high-quality interior. Out on the highway, the GX 460 has a comfortable ride regardless of the selected suspension mode. There’s minimal road, tire, and wind noise, making this rig a great choice for long drives. Even with its standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that helps minimize body motions, the GX 460 isn’t suited for sudden maneuvers or taking corners quickly. The 4.6-liter V-8 hauls the GX 460 around acceptably, but it could use a little more power and torque, especially considering its EPA fuel economy figures of 15/18 mpg city/highway.
When the pavement ends, the GX 460 shines as an off-roader. We took the luxurious Lexus out to an off-road park near Azusa, California, where it handled sand, rocks, and a small creek that flowed through the area without any issues. Off the beaten path, the GX 460 can easily tackle challenging terrain thanks to its standard full time four-wheel-drive system with a four-low setting, a locking limited-slip differential, and Crawl Control. However, do keep in mind that the GX 460’s departure angles and ground clearance isn’t as generous as more serious off-roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota’s TRD Pro models, so for those few customers venturing off road, choose your trail wisely or risk losing your side steps and/or bumpers.
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