Flash Drive

2014 Lexus GX460

February 10, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2014 Lexus GX460 Luxury

The Lexus GX460 is unchanged for 2015. It's a full-size, very rugged SUV.
The Lexus GX460 is unchanged for 2015. It’s a full-size, very rugged SUV.

Engine: 4.6-liter V-8, 301 horsepower 329 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission four-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 15/City—20/Highway—17/Combined

Base Price: $60,715

As Tested: $62,770

Performance:
Very solid, confidence-inspiring chassis
Smooth, reasonably powerful V-8
Rear air suspension with auto load leveling
Adaptive Variable Suspension
Driver selected shock absorber settings
6500 pound towing capacity
Rugged off-road features
Locking differential
Hill descent feature
Blind spot warning
Smooth highway ride

Comfort:
Strong luxury content, suede headliner

The Lexus GX460 has a large, flexible cargo space depending on how the two rows of seats are folded.
The Lexus GX460 has a large, flexible cargo space depending on how the two rows of seats are folded.

Stretch-out front legroom
Power lumbar support
Heated and cooled front seats
Power tilt/telescopic heated wood/leather steering wheel
Very good headroom
Heated outboard second row seats
Quiet interior
Sliding and reclining second row seats

Utility:
Large sunroof
Large doors
Side-hinged large rear door
Big, deep console bin
Flat cargo floor
Barely room for grocery bags behind 3rd row seats

Wow Factors:
Headlight washers
More off-road prowess than most people need

The Lexus GX460 has a single, side-hinged rear door, but the glass opens separately.
The Lexus GX460 has a single, side-hinged rear door, but the glass opens separately.

Power folding third row seats
Big 8-inch navigation screen
Power retracting side mirrors

Whines:
Not crazy about the new grille treatment
Sticker shock
Kid size third row seating

Bottom Line:
The 2014/2015 Lexus GX460 is essentially unchanged from 2014. It’s a big, beefy, body-on-frame V-8 SUV unlike the currently popular unibody crossover SUVs. As such it provides a very solid, off-road capable base for a typically luxurious Lexus product. The Lexus GX460 is a great blend of ruggedness and luxury.