2020 Lexus GX 460 - Classic, luxurious, and unstoppable

The Lexus GX might look long in the tooth, but few luxury crossovers deliver this kind of off-road capability.

The Lexus GX was introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year. The second generation continued to the current 2020 model year, albeit with some new design tweaks from Lexus. This updated GX takes on the garish hourglass grille design that has exploded onto the front end of every vehicle in the Lexus lineup. In fact, the GX is one of the last vehicles to take on this latest version of the design. On some Lexus vehicles, it is pretty hard to look at, but on the GX, it’s not so bad. The GX certainly wears it better than the larger LX.

Lexus offers the GX in three trims: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury. The 460 is effectively the base trim, though it’s hard to call it that. It has a long list of standard features, including 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. It also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

As its alphanumerics suggest, the GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine. It makes 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). Reading those horsepower and torque specs now might not impress you, because many modern V6 (and even some highly turbocharged 4-cylinder) engines are capable of exceeding them. But V8 engines offer an unmistakable swell of power that you experience in real-world driving. Whether you're lurching off the line or rumbling up to highway speeds, sometimes there really is no replacement for displacement.

With all rear seats folded, the GX offers 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is not a lot. The less expensive, 2-row Jeep Grand Cherokee has 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Land Rover Discovery is in a similar capability range and is equally priced, but it has nearly 80 cubic feet of cargo space.

Perhaps the area in which the GX most clearly shows its age is in its touchscreen infotainment setup. This is clearly the last generation of Lexus Enform, but that has its perks. For one, it is a true touchscreen, as opposed to using the frustrating Lexus Remote Touch cursor system. The touchscreen is flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, and it's proof that we’re headed in the wrong direction when it comes to in-car user interfaces. This decade-old layout is plainly simpler than what you might find in the Lexus RX or NX.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 has a base MSRP of $53,000. A mid-range GX 460 Premium starts at $55,790, and a range-topping Luxury trim starts at $64,265. Our test model included the Sport Design Package ($2,020), the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system ($1,985), and the Mark Levinson premium audio system package ($1,145). All told, factoring in a few more options and destination, our test model clocked in at more than $70,000.

Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media

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Crossovers & SUVs

[arislopes]

The gx isn’t based on the 4runner is based on the prado but they all share same platform and frame set up they have the same wheelbase and relatively similar dimensions the 3 are also built along side each other in the same factory and assembly line in Japan so they pretty much start as the same car with the same frame then they built them up differently from there, you’ll be amazed to see how many parts are shared between these vehicles despite being sold in completely different markets

[alwayne]

Yeah bro u right..it is indeed classic luxurious and definitely unstoppable not too many so called luxury truck can get in its class for real

[cathleensipe]

We have always owned Lexus cars and we have a Gx 2018 now we still love the looks of this model, it’s a very reliable suv and very comfortable the money it’s well worth for this suv .American cars and trucks are no comparison

[chuckkerber]

They've been using the same V-8 for over ten years now; this is probably the most reliable engine ever made- expect 300k easily if properly taken care of. Love the new front end design, hate that it doesn't have Apple-Play, and that infotainment system/screen are super outdated. I love my RX 450H, and will seriously consider trading it in to get one of these. time to get a proper rear-hatch that opens automatically!!!! Great review.

[afa]

GX isn't based on a 4 Runner. It is based on Land Cruiser Prado. It is truly an unstoppable vehicle. I own a 2008 model, and I am amazed by its simplicity, but yet reliability and functionality. Excellent vehicle. Your presentation style is very robotic and somewhat fake though.

[Questtt]

Curious, at 3:01 CarGurus recommends the base model (at $53K) saying it has "Full leather Upholstry". Unfortunately, only the Luxury version has leather...the Base and Premium have Lexus NuLuxe. I wish leather and Mark Levinson sound system was available as an option on the Premium or Base . . . but it is not. Are you suggesting leather can be custom ordered on one of these lower models?

[patrickgoncalves]

I like the towing ability in this size.

[seagrass]

This was in my feed due to searching for these, kinda weird my old house is a block behind that yellow house. Thats Pierce Island Portsmouth NH facing the Strawberry bank neighborhood:)

[luckyyou]

Gx is amazing truck. We dont care about 8spd tran, we like that old school style, ride and feel. Hate wen this "review" are not true! That truck is better and more reliable then anything kn the market,

[ourgreatsurrenderinchiefjo]

I want one but i dont like the back door opening to the side. And i have a 2018 4 runner and i like how i can put the back window down in spring and summer

[MH-imoh]

Why the MPG keeps changing while no change with the car itself?
2010s - 15/20
2017 - 15/18
Now 2020 is 15/19?

[smilingsatan]

It's not based on the 4runner. It's Land cruiser Prado with a Lexus badge. It shares a platform with the 4runner.

[kushil]

This basically a Lexus version of Land Cruiser 150 Series Prado KAKADU.

[edwink]

1:20 It’s side-opening so you can put a spare on it, though obviously most GX spend their time taking kids to soccer practice and mom to the mall where having a full-sized spare makes no sense. Lol

[bradjordan]

You won't always need the 4wd? You're always using the AWD

[NovieBigSad]

This needs an update but it's still wholly capable

[joshveeratwal]

VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE I BOUGHT THIS LAST YEAR REALLY HAPPY

[luckyyou]

Why are this people who review cars become experts? People love GX460 because of it ride, smooth v8 and 6spd tran. And please never compare it with american suv.

[litcarspottinglifejoshuath]

GX based on PRADO not $runner come on dude

[giudaenterprises]

when this model came out, it's already sold out. I will buy one when they update the infotainment system without a touchpad. Hopefully, it's more like the Toyota's entune systems, very easy to navigate through and simple