The Lexus GX 460: 10 Things You Need to Know

The Lexus GX 460 model line has been criticized for not evolving much over the last 10 years. This raises the question of whether that is true, or if it is true, that keeping some of the older features is actually better for the buyer. Here we will look at 10 things you need to know and you can decide for yourself.

All the Lexus 460 models – the GX 460, GX 460 Premium and GX 460 Luxury – have the comfort and performance to serve as both an on the road and off-road SUV. To accomplish this, Lexus has worked to find a middle ground in its interior and exterior design. Its passenger capacity of 7 makes it ideal for those long weekend trips with the family and for roughing it by taking it on a camping trip in style.
Though it has a passenger capacity of 7, those 7 people will be packed into an interior that is less than 6 feet wide. Other models can end up having you feeling a bit claustrophobic, but the expansive windshield and design significantly reduces that feeling. As expected, there is also a moon roof to alleviate any potential anxiety. But cargo space is sacrificed with that design, so don’t expect to pack the kitchen sink on a road trip.
The standard V8 engine is often referred to as “gutless.” For the non-technical person, this means that while the engine is powerful, it lacks the ability to accelerate quickly, as the specs show it goes from 0 – 60 in 7.8 seconds. When attaching a boat or trailer to the 460 you will find going uphill will tax its performance. But keep in mind that the Lexus 460 is designed for optimal performance on and off the road, so the choice of trading off a bit of performance in favor of the overall function of the SUV makes sense.
Lexus has updated its infotainment system to include Siri Eyes Free as an option. An extension of Apple’s Siri technology, it allows the driver to use voice commands to navigate a mobile device or control the car’s infotainment system hands free. If you are in a state that has laws against texting while driving, this is an essential option.
If you don’t add the Siri Eyes Free option, the touchscreen size is a massive 8.0 inches, significantly making its use far easier than on many of the newer models. That said, the age of the interior design shows when trying to read the various information displays on the dashboard. The bottom line is, it depends on what information is essential for safe and comfortable driving.
The storied reputation of Lexus reliability continues in the 460 models. For the $55,000 price tag you will get a vehicle that allows you to drive worry-free, and that includes the safety feature of 10 airbags strategically placed around the car’s interior.
There is a 23 gallon gas tank, which is needed for its 13/15 MPG rating. Ideally you can drive about 250 miles on a single tank of gas. But take into consideration traffic and weather conditions, and the likely rise in gas prices, and the bottom line cost of owning a Lexus 460 has the potential to rise by about 9 percent or more.
Weighing in at about 5200 pounds, the Lexus 460 requires a minimum braking distance of 133 feet. If you are bringing a boat or trailer in tow, that distance will be even greater. To make driving safer there is an optional pre-collision system that warns you of any danger ahead of time.
The exterior has the Lexus “Spindle Grille” that separates all Lexus models from the pack. There are LED headlamps and the company has redesigned the exterior to give it a fresh, new appearance. Tht said, the underlying ladder style frame, transmission, and powertrain are much like its older models. It can be seen as a combination of proven old features and a new, modern look.
There really is no final verdict on the Lexus 460 models because the evidence is that Lexus kept many of the older model’s best features while doing an exterior makeover to make it stylish and appeal to new SUV buyers. In contrast to its competitors, it measures up well and few SUVs have the on-road, off-road capabilities of the 460.