Is The Lexus GX 460 The Ultimate Luxury Off-Roader? (2010 – Present)

As a writer and long-term Lexus GX 460 owner, I can confidently say that this luxury SUV is one of the best off-roaders on the market. The GX 460 is a midsize SUV that offers a perfect balance of luxury and off-road capability, making it an ideal choice for those who want to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

One of the standout features of the Lexus GX 460 is its V8 engine, which provides plenty of power for both on and off-road driving. This SUV is built on the same platform as the Toyota Land Cruiser, which is known for its off-road capabilities, so you know that the GX 460 is designed to handle even the toughest terrain. However, unlike the Land Cruiser, the GX 460 offers a more luxurious interior with features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium sound system.

Of course, all of this luxury and off-road capability comes at a price. The Lexus GX 460 is not the most affordable SUV on the market, but it is a great value for those who want a vehicle that can do it all. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend camping trip or just running errands around town, the Lexus GX 460 is a reliable and comfortable choice that will serve you well for years to come.

Are you considering buying a Lexus GX SUV? Learn about the difference between a Lexus GX 460 and 470 in this informative article.

The Lexus GX 460: Luxury SUV Overview

As someone who has owned a 2011 Lexus GX460 for over a decade, I can confidently say that this luxury SUV is one of the most versatile vehicles on the market today. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family hauler, a capable off-roader, or a comfortable road trip vehicle, the GX460 delivers.

Luxurious Cabin

One of the standout features of the Lexus GX 460 is its luxurious cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the materials used throughout the interior are top-notch. The third-row seats are a bit cramped, but they’re perfect for kids or occasional use.

The infotainment system is easy to use and includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional panoramic view monitor is a great addition, giving you a 360-degree view of your surroundings when parking or off-roading.

Off-Road Capabilities

As a midsize SUV with full-time four-wheel drive, the Lexus GX 460 has some serious off-road chops. The multi-terrain select system allows you to choose from different modes depending on the terrain you’re driving on, while the crawl control system helps you maintain a steady speed when navigating rough terrain.

The optional off-road package adds features like a transmission cooler, skid plate, and kinetic dynamic suspension system, making the GX460 even more capable off-road. And with its auto-leveling rear air suspension, the GX460 can handle heavy loads and maintain a comfortable ride even on rough terrain.

Overall, the Lexus GX 460 is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxury SUV with serious off-road capabilities. With its V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, it’s a capable and reliable vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it.

Luxury Features

By 2023 standards, there are more luxurious SUVs on the market today. However, none of them have the offroad capabilities of the Lexus GX except for the Mercedes G-Wagon. The Lexus GX does a great job of blending luxury features and functionality into a rock solid offroad capable vehicle. 

Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the Lexus GX460 is top-notch. The 10.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use and provides clear visuals. The touchpad is also a great feature that makes it easy to navigate through the various menus. The system also comes with a CD player, which is a rare feature in modern vehicles.

One of the best things about the infotainment system is that it comes equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means that you can easily connect your smartphone to the system and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts.

Overall, the infotainment system in the Lexus GX460 is one of the best in the market. It’s easy to use, comes with a variety of features, and is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones.

Off-Road Features

As a long-term owner of the Lexus GX 460, I can confidently say that this luxury SUV is not just great for on-road adventures, but also has impressive off-road chops. Here are some of the key features that make it a capable off-roader:

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive

The GX 460 comes standard with full-time four-wheel drive, which means power is distributed to all four wheels all the time. This gives the vehicle better traction and stability on slippery or uneven terrain.

Multi-Terrain Select

This feature allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s performance based on the terrain they are driving on. It has five different settings: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, and mud and sand. Each setting adjusts the throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control settings to optimize performance.

Crawl Control

Crawl Control is like cruise control for off-roading. It allows the driver to set a low speed and then the vehicle takes over, automatically adjusting the throttle and brake to maintain that speed. This is especially useful when driving over rough or steep terrain.

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is a hydraulic suspension system that adjusts the stiffness of the stabilizer bars based on the terrain. This allows for better wheel articulation and improved traction on uneven surfaces.

Off-Road Package

The Off-Road Package is an optional package that includes additional features to make the GX 460 even more capable off-road. It includes a fuel tank protector, transmission cooler, and crawl control with off-road turn assist.

Transmission Cooler

The transmission cooler helps to keep the transmission fluid at a safe operating temperature, even when driving in extreme conditions. This is important for maintaining the longevity of the transmission.

Skid Plate

The skid plate is a protective plate that covers the underside of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and transfer case. It helps to protect these vital components from damage when driving over rough terrain.

Overall, the Lexus GX 460 has a host of features that make it a capable off-roader. Whether you’re driving on rocky trails or through muddy bogs, this luxury SUV can handle it with ease.

Safety Features

Pre-Collision System

Safety is one of the many reasons I love this vehicle. It’s why my daughter who just turned 16 is now driving the GX 460 because I feel quite confident with its safety for her to be behind the wheel.

One of the standout safety features is the Lexus Pre-Collision System. This system uses radar and cameras to detect if a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian is imminent. If a collision is detected, the system will alert the driver with visual and audible warnings. If the driver does not take action, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or lessen the impact of a collision.

But the Pre-Collision System is not just limited to detecting vehicles and pedestrians. It can also detect bicyclists in daylight and even low-light conditions. This is a great feature for those who live in areas with a lot of bike traffic or for those who enjoy biking themselves.

Another feature of the Pre-Collision System is the ability to detect potential collisions with other stationary objects, such as walls or poles. This is particularly useful when parking in tight spaces or navigating through narrow streets.

Overall, the Pre-Collision System is a valuable safety feature that gives me peace of mind when driving my Lexus GX 460.

Comparison to Competitors

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a popular off-road SUV and a direct competitor to the Lexus GX 460. The 4Runner is known for its reliability and durability, but it falls short in terms of luxury features. While the 4Runner has a lower starting price than the GX 460, it lacks many of the premium features that come standard on the Lexus.

For example, the 4Runner only offers cloth seats, while the GX 460 comes standard with leather seats. The GX 460 also offers a more refined interior, with wood trim and a more advanced infotainment system.

Jeep

Jeep is another popular off-road brand, known for its ruggedness and versatility. However, the Jeep lineup does not offer a direct competitor to the GX 460. The closest model is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is more of a luxury SUV than an off-roader. While the Grand Cherokee offers a high level of luxury and refinement, it does not have the same off-road capabilities as the GX 460.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender is a legendary off-road SUV, known for its ruggedness and durability. However, it is significantly more expensive than the GX 460, with a starting price of over $50,000. While the Defender offers a high level of off-road capability and luxury features, it may not be the most practical choice for everyday use.

Ford Raptor

The Ford Raptor is a high-performance off-road truck, designed for extreme off-road use. While it is not a direct competitor to the GX 460, it is worth mentioning as an alternative for those who prioritize off-road capability over luxury features. The Raptor has a starting price of around $60,000, significantly less than the GX 460, but it does not offer the same level of luxury and refinement.

Overall, while there are several competitors to the Lexus GX 460, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The GX 460 offers a unique combination of off-road capability and luxury features, making it a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds.

Price and Value

As someone who has owned a 2011 Lexus GX460 for over a decade, I can attest to the fact that this luxury off-roader is not cheap. In fact, the base model for the 2023 model year starts at around $54,000. However, when you consider the quality of the vehicle and its many features, it’s easy to see why it’s worth the investment.

One of the things that makes the GX460 stand out is its impressive list of standard features. Even the base model comes with leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a power moonroof, and a 9-speaker audio system. Higher trims add even more amenities, such as a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Another factor to consider is the resale value of the GX460. According to Kelley Blue Book, the GX460 has one of the highest resale values in its class, which means that you can recoup more of your investment when it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

Of course, there are other luxury SUVs on the market that are more affordable than the GX460. However, few can match its combination of off-road capability, reliability, and luxury features. If you’re in the market for a luxury off-roader, the GX460 is definitely worth considering.

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