2021 Lexus GX 460 - Review by Mark Fulmer
Mark Fulmer
The Auto Channel
The Lexus GX 460 has a solidly loyal user base, and the 2021 version will follow suit by providing upscale roominess, conservative styling, and upper end fit and finish.
The new GX does an excellent job of transporting up to six full grown humans with its full sized heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second row reclining captain’s chairs backed up by a rare reasonably adult sized third row. USB ports are all over the place for keeping the family's mobile devices charged and ready for the next digital onslought. Given its height, the GX provides good viewing (and video shooting) angles.
Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque connected to a silky 6-speed automatic transmission, it may not ever win a drag race or a fuel economy contest (15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway), that's not what it is about. We filled it up with adults and ventured up the thirsty, snow-deprived Sierras, and it evoked kudos from all passengers. It handled the task that well with its solid body-on-frame structure and this driver appreciated its hydraulic steering on the wonderfully visual curves of Highway 50.
No hatch, this. The rear door swings out like a door. Fold the second a third row down and you achieve over 64 cubic feet of space to to haul a multitude of large and small items.
The second row gets to dial up their own climate eliminating the "old freeze the front to cool the back" syndrom.
Other features include: 3-zone automatic climate control, triple-beam LED headlights with headlight washers, adaptive cruise control (the best thing happening to your right foot on crowded highways, and other safety systems - blindspot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, lane departure alert, and pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
Upscale also means attention to details. Like carpet cutouts to cover tie-downs.
And drive mode and clearance controls within easy reach next to the shifter.
For big full sized families with big full sized family members, or smaller families with sizable equipment and cargo needs, the Lexus GX could be the SUV that could do it all.