This week I'm behind the wheel of one of my favorite SUVs, the Lexus GX. An old-school, extremely lovable three-row SUV that's the cousin of the Toyota Land Cruiser that's no longer sold in the U.S. This will reportedly be the last model year of the current generation, that's been around since 2009, with Lexus expected to launch the next generation GX in 2024 though the automaker hasn't released any official details.
Exterior
You can count me a long-time fan of current GX's styling. My 2023 GX 460 Luxury review vehicle looks commanding in Atomic Silver and an optional Sport Design Package adds to its stately appeal. It rides on 19-inch Dark Gray alloy wheels and features a unique lower grille surround, front and rear bumper spoilers and dark gray exhaust tip along with chrome detail side mirrors.
Standard equipment includes Lexus' terrific Triple-Beam LED headlamps up front along with LED fog lamps. The GX is also equipped with illuminated running boards and front power folding and heated mirrors along with front scuff plates and roof rails.
Powertrain
The GX is a heavy vehicle, weighing in at roughly 5,000 pounds, which is no problem for its 4.6-liter V8 with 301-horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired to a 6-speed transmission. All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. I expect the next-gen will deliver better fuel economy with hybrid technology. It's currently an unimpressive - yet not expected for its size- 16 mpg combined.
Interior
An impeccably crafted interior greets you with soft-touch materials, premium switchgear and quality stitching.
My test model's Rioja Red semi-aniline leather 10-way power, heated and ventilated seats deliver supreme comfort. Above the power tilt, heated steering wheel you'll find a small 4.2-inch digital driver display, which admittedly, shows the GX's age. And yes I've said it before but I'll say it again - I love Lexus' wood-trimmed steering wheel and hope it stays with any redesign.
A wide center stack and console houses dual-zone climate, a leather-wrapped gear shift knob, heated and ventilated seat controls, a hidden storage area, two covered cup holders and the Lexus’ Remote Touchpad.
Optional heated 2nd-row captain's chairs will certainly delight second-row passengers with their cushiony comfort. They'll also enjoy their own digital A/C controls, upper air vents and nice seat back pockets.
While the GX technically seats seven, the 3rd-row is best suited for kids. Though power reclining, fold-flat 3rd-row seats are a huge plus.
Standard features include push-button start, 3-zone climate, 4 USB ports, an auto dimming rearview mirror and car floor mats. As in 2022, there is still no wireless charger.
Utility
The GX's manual side-hinged rear door opens up to a nice amount of cargo space with the 3rd-row down.
Room is drastically reduced with it up, however. A cargo cover hides valuables. The rear door's separate glass window opens.
Technology
The GX Luxury is equipped with a 10.3-inch multimedia split touchscreen with navigation. However, the 2023 GX doesn't have the new Lexus interface and still uses Lexus' touchpad on the center console. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, non-wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. The GX benefits from Lexus Dynamic Voice Command - one of my favorite systems in the industry and its 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound sounds amazing.
Ride and Drive
The GX's body-on-frame platform provides a different type of ride than in a car-based SUV and it's one I quite enjoy thanks to the Luxury grade's standard Adaptive Variable Suspension and auto-leveling air suspension. The smooth, quiet ride is terrific. You can choose from Normal, Sport or Comfort standard drive modes and each provide excellent handling, with Sport delivering the most engaging steering feel. The GX's large brakes confidently handle its weight. Compared to the bigger LX, the GX is also perfectly sized and easy to maneuver.
The GX sits high off the ground with 8.1 inches of ground clearance so running boards, along with front and 2nd-row interior door grips, come in handy.
Capability
The GX can tow up to 6,500-pounds. It's also designed for the trail. An Off-Road Package gives you Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View Monitors, a transmission cooler, fuel tank protector, crawl control and Multi Terrain Select drive modes.
Last fall, I did some off-roading with the GX, pictured in the image slider above, so I can attest to its capability off the beaten path. The Multi-Terrain view monitor is a terrific feature.
Safety
The GX is equipped with Lexus Safety System+ which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent HighBeam Headlamps and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. (For reference, Lexus recently introduced the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 in the 2022 NX and 2023 RX.)
Intuitive Parking Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Seat Reminder are also standard.
Options and What You’ll Pay
An Off-Road Package ($1,570) adds Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View Monitors, Transmission Cooler, Fuel Tank Protector, Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. A Sport Design Package ($2,020) features the 19-inch dark gray wheels, 2nd row captain's chairs, unique lower grille surround, front and rear bumper spoilers and dark gray exhaust tip along with chrome detail side mirrors. Total MSRP as equipped is $71,820.
Verdict
The GX 460 is an extremely enjoyable, capable and versatile SUV with excellent handling, a smooth ride and luxuriously crafted interior. Even though it's in need of a tech update, for me, this old school model's allure remains as strong as ever. However, if the latest model and tech is important to you, keep in mind the next-gen GX is coming soon.
- What I Liked Most: Looks, overall cabin comfort and quality, ride and drive.
- What I would change: Needs a wireless charger and tech updates.
- MSRP: Base: $67,080. As equipped $71,820.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/ 19 highway/16 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 9,509 miles.
- Curb Weight: 5,192 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-size underneath.
- Length-Width-Height: 192.1” long/74.2” wide/73.8” tall.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Official Color: Atomic Silver.
- Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds.
- 2023 GX Luxury in a few words: An old-school capable yet luxurious SUV that remains alluring just keep in mind a new generation is likely just around the bend.
- Warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles Basic Warranty; 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain.
- Final Assembly Location: Tahara, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
