2017 Lexus GX 460

Major highlights of the new Lexus GX 460 include 3 rows, a robust four-wheel-drive system, and a rugged body-on-frame build. The ride is adept in championing almost any terrain it encounters. Important downers for the luxurious SUV includes slow acceleration and having a subnormal fuel economy. As such, the Lexus finishes somewhere in the middle of the luxury midsize SUV segment.

The 2017 Lexus GX 460 boasts a 4.6L V8 engine. It is capable of producing 301 hp of power in addition to a sturdy 329 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike most of its competitors, the ride features a 6-speed automatic transmission mode.

Primary rivals to the GX 460 SUV includes Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Land Rover Discovery. These rides offer a better fuel economy, more storage space, and faster acceleration. Nonetheless, 2017 Lexus GX 460 outlasts them all with its powerful engine and an all-conquering four-wheel-drive system. Having a remarkable towing capacity of 6600 lbs. is yet another major selling point.

You can pick among one of the 3 trims available for the triple-seater Lexus GX 460 SUV. These are namely GX 460, GX 460 Premium, and GX 460 Luxury. The base trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and a rear spoiler as standard features. Moreover, it has a vinyl upholstery and 8-way power front seats as standard on the inside.

Trim	GX 460	GX 460 premium	GX 460 Luxury
MSRP	$51,680	$52,675	$63,380
Key   Features	Towing w/Harness and Trailer Sway Control	Window Grid Diversity Antenna	Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode and Oil Cooler
	64-Amp/Hr Maintenance-Free Battery	Single Stainless Steel Exhaust	64-Amp/Hr Maintenance-Free Battery
	Hydraulic Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering	Permanent Locking Hubs	Laminated Glass
	Automatic Equalizer	Fully Automatic Projector Beam Led Low Beam Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off	LED Brakelights
	Double Wishbone Front Suspension w/Coil Springs	Chrome Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim	Front Fog Lamps
	Spare Tire Stored Underbody w/Crankdown	Body-Colored Power w/Tilt Down Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator	1 LCD Monitor In The Front
	Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Steering Wheel Controls, Voice Activation and Radio Data System	Radio: AM/FM Lexus Premium Audio -inc: 8" touch screen, 9 speakers, in-dash single CD player w/Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), MP3/WMA capability, cache radio, integrated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver	Radio: AM/FM Lexus Premium Audio -inc: 8" touch screen, 9 speakers, in-dash single CD player w/Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), MP3/WMA capability, cache radio, integrated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription included), HD Radio real-time traffic and weather, 2 USB ports w/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands free phone w/phonebook download capabilities, music streaming and Siri Eyes Free mode w/select and play music from iTunes, call contacts, hear and compose text messages and emails, hear sports scores, stock information and weather, use maps and get directions
	Real-Time Traffic Display		Real-Time Traffic Display

The GX 460 Premium trim flaunts automatic wipers, parking sensors, and perforated leather upholstery as standard features. Furthermore, the trim adds the optional navigation system feature and the Sport Design package. The high-end trim i.e. GX 460 Luxury comes with auto-dimming side mirrors, headlight washers, and a steering wheel with the mahogany wood trim as standard. Additionally, an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is also available.

Powering the GX is a traditional engine, as well: a 4.6-liter V-8 making an unremarkable 301 horsepower and 329 pounds-feet of torque. It’s smooth and silent — most of the time — announcing its presence with a roar only if you need to call up some big acceleration. -cars.com

Engine and Transmission

The latest avatar of the Lexus GX 460 has a 4.6L V8 VVT-i engine that generates 301 horsepower. The engine produces an impressive 329 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission mode is coupled with a four-wheel-drive system.

Models	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
MSRP	$51,680	$49,990	$55,500	$56,600
Engine	4.6L V8 DOHC 32V w/Dual VVT-i	3.0L Supercharged V6	3.0L TFSI V6 DOHC	3.0L DOHC I-6 24V TwinPower Turbo
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	301 hp @ 5500 rpm	340 hp @ 6500 rpm	333 hp @ 5500 rpm	300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm	300 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm

BMW X5 offers 300 horsepower along with 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The Audi has 333 hp of power and 325 lb.-ft. of torque to spare. Land Rover Discovery offers the most-in-league engine power and torque of 340 hp and 332 lb.-ft., respectively. Unlike GX 460, all 3 of its class rivals boast an 8-speed automatic transmission mode.

Acceleration

The GX 460 is a slow-starter; it accelerates to 60 MPH in 7.8 seconds. Though all its competitors do the same quickly, Q7 is the quickest of them all. The ride hits the 60 MPH mark in just 5.7 seconds.

Models	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
0-60 MPH	7.8 sec	7.1 sec	5.7 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter mile	15.8 sec	13.9 sec	15.1 sec	14.2 sec
Engine	4.6L	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	11.1	9.8	8.4	8.4

The Lexus GX 460 covers a quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds. On the contrary, Discovery boasts the best-time for covering a quarter mile. It does so in just 13.9 seconds.

Ride and Handling

GX 460 is built upon a truck-like body-on-frame for offering a significant off-road performance. As such, it sacrifices some handling and ride quality. Nonetheless, the Lexus GX 460 has a secure handling.

The GX 460's ride quality can be enhanced with the optional adaptive suspension. Particularly, brakes, acceleration, and steering are slow to respond. But again, that's because of Lexus allowing the ride to gain off-road ability in addition to the on-road ability it already boasted.

Braking

When required to halt abruptly, the GX 460 requires a distance of 132 feet. It does so while decelerated continually from 60 MPH. This is pitiful even for its class. This is partly because of its massive bulkiness of 5130 lbs., and partly because of the smallest-in-the-league brakes.

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
Brake Front (in.)	13.3	14.2	14.8	13.7
Brake Rear (in.)	12.3	13.8	13.8	12.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5130	4835	4938	4680
60-0 MPH (ft.)	132	124	121	129

The Audi has the biggest brakes in the competition. Front and rear brake for the ride measures 14.8 and 13.8 inches, respectively. Moreover, it requires the least-in-league stopping distance of 121 feet.

The Lexus GX 460 is a family-friendly, luxurious ride that features a below average mileage. The crossover SUV offers 15 mpg in cities and 18 mpg on highways. It delivers a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, which finishes last in the segment. It is surpassed by the Land Rover Discovery with 18 mpg.

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
MPG (city)	15	16	19	18
MPG (highway)	18	21	25	25
MPG (combined)	16	18	21	21

Both Q7 and X5 deliver a combined fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon of gasoline. The Audi offers the most-in-segment mileage of 19 mpg in cities. For highways, it ties up with the X5 with a mileage of 25 mpg.

The GX 460 carries over the traditional SUV feel inside, as well, with a tall and narrow aesthetic that looks as if nothing’s changed since the late 1990s. The color scheme in my test car was appealing, with a high-quality, creamy beige leather and dark brown dash motif that was attractive, but that appeal was offset by cheap-feeling plastics on the center console and doors. For this price, I expect higher-quality materials — not an interior that looks as if it belongs in a much less expensive Toyota that’s been given some wood appliques.  -cars.com

Seating and Comfort

The SUV is capable of accommodating a total of 7 persons simultaneously. It offers 38 and 41.7 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively, in the front. Though the headroom is least in the competition, it is ample to accommodate adults. Legroom, however, is the maximum available in the segment.

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
Passenger capacity	7	5	7	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.0/55.4/41.7	39.4/60.5/39.0	38.4/59.5/41.7	40.5/61.5/40.4
Second   (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.4/57.3/34.1	39.0/59.5/37.6	38.8/58.5/38.8	38.8/60.0/36.6
Third   (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.2/54.5/29.3	N/A	35.9/49.4/29.2	N/A

The GX 460 offers 40.4 and 34.1 inches of headroom and legroom in the second row. While the headroom is the maximum available amongst its class rivals, legroom is the least. Headroom and legroom available in the 3^rd row are 35.2 and 29.3 inches, respectively.

Infotainment System

The system and the 8-inch touch display present in the SUV is easy to use. It comes with a mouse-like remote controller, which, to be frank, isn't good at all. Anyways, the touch interface is smooth and intuitive. It is complemented by a 9-speaker audio system that has a decent sound quality. Other important feats of the infotainment system include 2 USB ports, HD radio, satellite radio, voice support, and a 120V power outlet.

Furthermore, there is an optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system available with the GX Luxury trim. Unfortunately, the system is devoid of support for the Apple CarPlay or the Android Auto. The infotainment system in the SUVeffortlessly beats out the infotainment system found in the Discovery, though.

Interior Features

The Lexus GX 460 has one of the best cabin and interiors in the segment. In non-base trims, most interior surfaces feature authentic wood or soft leather trim. The interiors of the SUV boasts:

• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Comfortable front seats
• Complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors
• Heated and ventilated front seats [Optional]
• Reclining and sliding middle-row seats with 40/20/40-split seatback
• Second-row captain's chairs [Optional]

Cargo Capacity

It offers a maximum cargo capacity of 64.7 cubic feet. Though ample, it is least amongst the competition. Audi Q7 offers a maximum cargo capacity of 71.6 cubic feet. BMW X5 offers even better maximum storage capacity of 76.7 cubic feet. Land Rover Discovery, however, offers the most cargo capacity of 82.7 cubic feet in the segment.

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	11.6	N/A	14.8	N/A
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	46.7	45.0	37.5	35.8
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	64.7	82.7	71.6	76.7

Towing Capacity

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
Maximum towing capacity	6600 lbs	8201 lbs	7700 lbs

Lexus GX 460 offers a remarkable towing capacity of 6600 lbs. For doing so, the ride comes with a standard tow prep package and a trailer wiring harness. Rides like the Audi Q7 and the Land Rover Discovery comes with even higher towing capacities. Q7 is rated for towing 7700 lbs. while Discovery can tow up to 8201 lbs.

The GX looks every bit the traditional SUV that it is, with a short wheelbase and long overhangs front and rear topped off by an upright, boxy cabin. If you’re a fan of the trucky look, the GX should push all your buttons. -cars.com

Dimension and Weight

Despite being the bulkiest ride among its rivals, the Lexus GX 460 has the least length and width. It boasts a length, width, and height of 192.1, 74.2, and 74.2 inches, respectively.

Model	Lexus GX 460	Land rover discovery SE	Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium	BMW X5 xDrive 35i
Curb weight (lbs.)	5130	4835	4938	4680
Length(in)	192.1	195.7	199.6	192.4
Width(in)	74.2	78.7	77.5	76.3
Height(in)	74.2	72.7	68.5	69.4
Ground clearance (in)	8.1	8.7	8.1	8.3
Wheelbase (in)	109.8	115.0	117.9	115.5
Track width (in) F/R	62.4/62.4	66.6/66.6	66.1/66.6	64.7/65.0

It flaunts a ground clearance and wheelbase of 8.1 and 109.8 inches, respectively. Both are least in the competition.

Exterior Features 

Some standard exterior features include - 

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Elegant sunroof
• Long overhangs on the front and rear
• Shorter wheelbase
• Spindle, hourglass-style grille
• Swoosh-style LED headlights
• Tailgate with an easy-to-use lift-up rear glass window

The Lexus GX 460 comes with a basic front crash prevention. There are no NHTSA ratings available for the ride. Notable safety and reliability features boasted by the ride includes blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert and a backup camera.

Probably the most important safety feature in the SUV is the Lexus Enform Safety Connect. Furthermore, the optional Driver Support package adds adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning along with other features.

Safety Features

• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Back-Up Camera
• Safety Connect Emergency Sos
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• First Aid Kit
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag and Rear Side-Impact Airbag
• Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Front crash prevention	Basic
Child seats anchors (LATCH)	Acceptable

NHTSA has not yet rated.

Lexus GX 460 vs Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium

A 3.0L V6 engine is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission mode in the Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI Premium. Pricing options for the ride start from $55,500. The 3.0L DOHC engine generates 333 horsepower as well as 325 lb.-ft. of torque. It accelerates to 60 MPH in 5.7 seconds.

Audi Q7 Premium comes to a complete halt at a distance of 121 feet when decelerated from 60 MPH. This is the best stopping distance among its class rivals. Q7 offers a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. The ride has the most-in-league wheelbase of 117.9 inches.

Lexus GX 460 vs BMW X5 xDrive 35i

With a curb weight of 4680 lbs., BMW X5 is the least bulky ride in the competition. The ride offers a superior 21 mpg of combined fuel economy. X5 xDrive 35i relies on a 3.0L I6 TwinPower turbo engine, capable of producing 300 units of power and torque.

BMW X5 shoots to 60 MPH in 6.1 seconds. The SUV has an impressive ground clearance of 8.3 inches in addition to boasting a wheelbase of 115.5 inches. BMW X5 xDrive 35i offers the most front headroom and shoulder-room of 40.5 and 61.5 inches, respectively.

Lexus GX 460 vs Land Rover Discovery SE

Yet another major rival to the Lexus GX 460 SUV is the Land Rover Discovery SE. The ride flaunts the least expensive price-tag of $49,990 among its competitors. Land Rover Discovery SE combines a supercharged 3.0L V6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Land Rover Discovery accelerates to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds. The latter is the best time available in the segment. Discovery offers 18 mpg of combined fuel economy and a most-in-league cargo capacity of 82.7 cubic feet.

2017 Lexus GX 460 offers a comfortable and family-friendly riding experience. However, it doesn't offer the same level of technology features as some of its top-notch competitors. Also, the ride isn't spacious on the 3^rd seat and offers a substandard fuel economy.

Despite its flaws, the latest avatar of the Lexus GX 460 offers a remarkable towing capacity and luxurious interiors. Furthermore, it has a remarkable off-road capability. The ride isn't bad on the outside and comes with a multitude of options to choose from.