Lexus GX 460 Reliability: Standing the Test of Time [2023]

If you’re looking for a vehicle that is both luxurious and reliable, the Lexus GX 460 might be just what you need. This mid-size SUV has proven itself to be a top contender in the automotive world thanks to its sturdy construction, low maintenance costs, and high-quality interior.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the GX 460’s features and performance and explore why this vehicle has earned a reputation for dependability. Whether you’re in the market for a used SUV or simply curious about the Lexus brand, keep reading to discover why the GX 460 is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market.

The Lexus GX 460: A Reliable V8 SUV with Top-Notch Standard Features

The Lexus GX 460 is a mid-size luxury SUV that has gained a reputation for reliability, thanks to its sturdy construction, low maintenance costs, and dependable V8 engine.

The GX model comes standard with a variety of top-notch features, such as adaptive cruise control, 4WD, and a third-row seat, making it an excellent choice for families and adventurers alike. The GX 460 has received positive reviews for its off-road capabilities, smooth ride, and spacious interior, making it a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts.

With its long-lasting components, high resale value, and safety features, the Lexus GX 460 is a top contender in the mid-size SUV market.

The Most Reliable Lexus GX Years: Which Ones to Consider?

When it comes to the Lexus GX, there are a few years that stand out for their reliability. According to experts and owner reviews, the most reliable Lexus GX years are between 2014 and 2019. During these years, the GX 460 received a number of updates, including a new grille design, LED headlights, and additional safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

These updates, combined with the GX 460’s already sturdy construction and reliable V8 engine, make for a dependable and long-lasting SUV. However, it’s worth noting that even earlier model years of the Lexus GX have a solid reputation for reliability, making it a great choice for those in the market for a used SUV.

Here’s Why 2014 and newer is (generally) better

In 12 years of ownership of my 2011 Lexus GX 460 I have only had one mechanical problem. A little ten cent piece of foam broke down and got sucked up into the engine causing $3,000 worth of required repairs. I did a bunch of research and found a lot of other people had experienced the same issue.

I contacted Lexus’ Corporate staff and explained that I understood they redesigned the defective part in 2014 and that I had record of thousands of other owners having the same issue I was having. I was successful in negotiating (I was not ugly) a repair on my vehicle. You don’t buy a Lexus and expect a ten cent piece of foam to do this much damage.

Lexus helped me with repairs of my vehicle and about a year or so later they issued a recall repairing the defective parts for everyone that owned a pre-2014 Gx 460.

If you are considering a pre-2014 GX 460, check to see if the recall was repaired or not. If it was replaced then I would not be concerned buying any model year of the GX 460.

Performance and Handling: The Lexus GX 460’s Reliable and Confident Ride”

The Lexus GX 460 is a reliable vehicle that offers exceptional performance and handling, both on and off the road. Equipped with an off-road package that includes a locking center differential, the GX 460 is able to handle rugged terrain with ease. Even on the highway, the GX 460 feels solid and well-controlled.

In my personal experience, driving the GX 460 feels extremely solid and almost heavy, which is a testament to its high-quality construction. Even though it’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, the GX 460 makes up for it with its confident and comfortable ride.

The V8 engine provides ample power and acceleration, making passing and merging on the highway a breeze. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the suspension provides a comfortable and stable ride.

With the off-road package, the GX 460 can handle challenging off-road terrain, while still maintaining its smooth and reliable ride. Overall, the Lexus GX 460 offers an impressive combination of power, reliability, and comfort.

Reliability and Safety Ratings for the Lexus GX 460: What the Experts Say

According to several reliable sources, the Lexus GX 460 has consistently received high ratings for its reliability, safety, and overall performance.

Consumer Reports has consistently given the GX 460 high ratings for reliability, with most model years receiving above-average scores. RepairPal also ranks the GX 460 as one of the most reliable luxury SUVs, with a high rating for low repair costs.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also given the GX 460 high marks, earning the organization’s highest rating of “Good” for most of the vehicle’s safety features.

Here’s a table highlighting the ratings of the GX 460 by model year:

Model Year	Consumer Reports Reliability Score	RepairPal Reliability Rating	IIHS Safety Rating
2010 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2011 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2012 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2013 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2014 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2015 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2016 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2017 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2018 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2019 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2020 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2021 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2022 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good
2023 Lexus GX 460	Above Average	4.5/5	Good

Built to Last: The Construction of the Lexus GX 460

When the Lexus GX 460 was launched in 2010, it immediately set itself apart from other luxury SUVs in terms of build quality. The GX 460 features a sturdy body-on-frame construction that provides excellent durability and off-road capability.

Under the hood, the GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers smooth and powerful performance on the road or on rugged terrain.

This combination of strength and reliability makes the GX 460 a popular choice for drivers who demand the best of both worlds. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling tough trails, the GX 460 is designed to handle anything you can throw at it.

Luxury and Convenience: The Interior of the Lexus GX 460

As a longtime owner of the Lexus GX 460, I can attest to the exceptional quality of its interior features. The ride is pretty smooth, and the seats are firm but not uncomfortable, providing excellent support on longer drives.

The front and rear parking sensors are a particularly handy feature when navigating tight spaces, while the Mark Levinson sound system delivers top-notch audio quality that makes any drive more enjoyable.

The infotainment system is easy to use and features a large touchscreen display that provides access to a range of features, including GPS navigation, climate control, and audio settings.

Another great feature is the fold-flat third-row seating, which allows for a generous amount of cargo space when needed. Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend getaway or transporting a group of passengers, the GX 460 provides ample space and comfort to meet your needs.

Reliable and Low-Maintenance: Maintaining Your Lexus GX 460

From my first-hand experience as an owner of the Lexus GX 460, I can vouch for its excellent reliability and low-maintenance requirements.

In my 12 years of ownership, I’ve only had to perform routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake pad replacements, and windshield wiper changes.

The only major repair I’ve had to do was the recall work for the fuel pump issue, which was covered by Lexus as mentioned above. 

The build quality of the GX 460 is exceptional, with few components requiring replacement or repair. Even after over a decade of use, the vehicle is holding up well, with only minor cosmetic wear and tear.

I’m starting to see some rock chips on the hood and a little clear coat breakdown on the top of the rear wind deflector, but these are relatively minor issues given the age of the vehicle.

Overall, the GX 460 is a reliable and low-maintenance vehicle that should provide many years of trouble-free driving.

Resale Value of the Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 has very good resale values. I think the best way to express this is to simply have a look at my personal situation with my 2011 GX 460. 

Despite being over a decade old, my GX 460 still retains a significant portion of its original value. According to Kelly Blue Book, the current Private Party value of my vehicle is $18,042, which is a testament to its lasting quality and reliability.

I paid roughly $46,000 for the vehicle back in 2012. As a result, if someone paid me the KBB private party value, it would retain nearly 40% of it’s original purchase price in over 12 years of ownership. Fortunately for me, I don’t have to sell. I just have to hope it doesn’t get wrecked with a new driver behind the wheel.

My situation with this vehicle is not unique. Many GX 460 owners report similarly impressive resale values. The combination of luxury, reliability, and overall quality make the GX 460 a highly sought-after vehicle on the used car market.

Luxury SUV Reliability Comparison:

When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Lexus GX 460 stands out as a reliable option. But how does it compare to other luxury SUVs on the market? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular models and how they stack up against the GX 460 in terms of reliability:

Model	Reliability Score (out of 10)
Lexus GX 460	8.0
Acura MDX	7.5
Audi Q7	5.0
BMW X5	6.0
Cadillac Escalade	4.0
Infiniti QX80	6.5
Mercedes-Benz GLE	7.0
Range Rover Sport	3.5

As you can see, the Lexus GX 460 fares well compared to other luxury SUVs when it comes to reliability. While there are some other reliable options, like the Acura MDX and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the GX 460 stands out as one of the most dependable luxury SUVs available.

Suggested Article: Acura MDX Reliability Note: I almost bought this over the Lexus GX.

Safety Features of the Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 comes with a host of standard safety features. Some of the features are:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Lane departure warning
• Pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors

In addition to these features, the Lexus GX 460 also comes with 10 airbags, including front knee airbags and side-curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet rated the Lexus GX 460 for crashworthiness. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 model year GX 460 an overall safety rating of four out of five stars. The table below shows the NHTSA safety ratings for the Lexus GX 460 from 2010 through 2021.

Model Year	Overall Rating	Frontal Crash	Side Crash	Rollover
2010	3	4	5	3
2011	4	4	5	3
2012	4	4	5	3
2013	4	4	5	3
2014	4	4	5	3
2015	4	4	5	3
2016	4	4	5	3
2017	4	4	5	3
2018	4	4	5	3
2019	4	4	5	3
2020	4	4	5	3
2021	4	4	5	3

Overall, the Lexus GX 460 is a safe and reliable luxury SUV, with plenty of advanced safety features to help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Pros and Cons of the Lexus GX 460

The Lexus GX 460 is a reliable and capable luxury SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider before purchasing a GX 460:

Pros:

• Reliability: The GX 460 is known for its durability and long-term reliability, making it a great choice for those who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.
• Off-road capabilities: With its available off-road package, locking center differential, and other features, the GX 460 is capable of handling tough terrain and challenging driving conditions.
• Comfortable ride: The GX 460 provides a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for long road trips or daily commutes.
• Interior features: The GX 460 comes with a number of standard and optional features, including front and rear parking sensors, a Mark Levinson sound system, and a fold-flat third row of seats.

Cons:

• Fuel efficiency: The GX 460 is not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, with an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 16 mpg.
• Limited cargo space: While the GX 460 offers a fold-flat third row of seats, its cargo space is somewhat limited compared to other SUVs in its class.
• High price: The GX 460 is a luxury SUV, and as such, it comes with a higher price tag than many other vehicles on the market.
• Dated design: The GX 460 was launched in 2010 and has received only minor updates since then, so its design may feel somewhat dated compared to more modern SUVs.

Overall, the Lexus GX 460 is a reliable and capable luxury SUV with a number of appealing features, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Consider these pros and cons when deciding whether the GX 460 is right for you.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About the Lexus GX 460

• The Lexus GX 460 is a reliable luxury SUV that launched in 2010 with a build quality that still holds up today.
• The most reliable model years for the GX 460 are 2014-2016 and 2019-2020 according to various sources.
• The vehicle is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine with off-road capability thanks to the standard features such as the locking center differential.
• The GX 460 is a solid and confident vehicle to drive, providing a smooth ride and good fuel efficiency for its size.
• Consumer Reports, RepairPal, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety all rate the Lexus GX 460 highly for its safety and reliability.
• The interior of the GX 460 provides comfortable seating, front and rear parking sensors, a Mark Levinson sound system, infotainment system, and fold-flat 3rd-row seating.
• Maintenance and repair costs for the vehicle are low with routine maintenance and occasional repairs.
• The Lexus GX 460 holds its value well, making it a great investment for those who plan to resell the vehicle.
• When compared to other luxury SUVs, the GX 460 is a standout for its reliability and off-road capabilities.
• The safety features of the Lexus GX 460 are top-notch, including 10 airbags, pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
• While the GX 460 is not perfect, with some complaints about the infotainment system and cargo space, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable luxury SUV that can handle off-road driving.

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