2019 Lexus GX Reviews, Pricing & Specs

In an era of car-based crossovers, the midsize Lexus GX 460 is from a bygone era, with its truck-based ladder frame construction and...

In an era of car-based crossovers, the midsize Lexus GX 460 is from a bygone era, with its truck-based ladder frame construction and classic SUV styling. The current model bowed during the 2010 model year, then received a major exterior rework in 2014. 2019 brings no major changes to the 7-seat GX 460.

The GX 460 benefits from a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, backed up by a 6-speed automatic transmission. With fuel economy ratings of 15 miles per gallon city, 18 highway, and 16 combined on premium fuel, gas sipping isn’t this Lexus’ strong suit. Off-road performance is where the GX 460 shines. There’s a standard full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with a limited-slip differential and a two-speed electronic transfer case. Crawl Control, which lets the SUV stay between 1 and 4 mph when navigating tough terrain, is optional. Lexus rates the GX 460’s towing capabilities at 6,500 lbs. It also includes trailer-sway control.

You can choose between Base, Premium, and Luxury grades on the GX 460. The Base trim bundles 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime-running lights, a moonroof, keyless access and start, leatherette upholstery, 10-way power front seats, memory settings, USB connectivity, reclining and sliding second-row seats, and dual-zone climate control. An available Navigation package tacks on Lexus’ Enform app suite and an on-board navigation system.

The mid-grade Premium trim comes with the Navigation Package plus higher-spec 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a windshield-wiper de-icer, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, and tri-zone climate control. The Sport Design Package comes with gunmetal alloy wheels, sporty front and rear fascias, unique taillights, leather upholstery, and an exposed chrome exhaust tip.

Finally, the Luxury trim comes with power-folding and dimming exterior mirrors, headlight washers, adaptive suspension, an auto-leveling rear air suspension, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a wood-and-leather heated steering wheel, and third-row power-folding seats. Opt for the Sport Design Package and you’ll also get second-row captain’s chairs, cutting the number of seats down to 6. You can also specify a Mark Levinson surround-sound system with 17 speakers and 330 watts.

As far as safety, the basic GX 460 comes with a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is a no-cost option for the Base and Premium grades, while reversing sensors are optional on the Base trim and standard on the others. And the Luxury level offers a Driver Support Package that incorporates a driver-attention monitor, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beam lights, a wide-view front and side camera system, and the aforementioned Crawl Control system. Typical of vehicles in this segment, there’s no public data on its crash performance from any major agency.

The Lexus GX 460 isn’t as flashy or modern as its competitors, some of whom have been redesigned two or three times in the GX 460's lifetime. But as a midsize luxury SUV with a focus on durability and reliability, it’s hard to beat.