2021 Lexus GX 460 Review

　　

2021 Lexus GX 460 Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　Most SUVs today are designed more for city driving than tackling rocky trails and dirt roads. The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is of a slightly different breed. It's pretty capable of handling those rough-and-tumble duties thanks to a special suspension system that improves wheel articulation in off-road situations. This, in combination with the 4WD system with low-range gearing, maximizes traction when you need it most.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$281/mo  for GX 460 Base

　　GX 460 Base

　　4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $53,250 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A) - $64,515 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Unfortunately, the GX 460's off-road focus compromises on-road comfort. We like the commanding seating position and user-friendly interior, but the ride is stiff on less-than-perfect pavement. Other downsides include an underpowered and overly thirsty V8 and a lack of cargo room. A few other SUVs, such as the Land Rover Discovery, are better at providing similar capabilities without the loss of utility. Check out our Expert Rating for more of our take on the 2021 GX 460.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the GX 460 drive? The Lexus GX 460 has much going for it but stumbles in key areas. In routine use around town, the GX can feel lethargic owing to its heavy curb weight and an economy-minded throttle pedal and transmission calibration. Emergency braking performance is also disappointing. The stopping distance from 60 mph is last in class at 139 feet. Thankfully, low-speed handling maneuvers are easy due to its tight turning circle and light steering effort.

　　The GX has decent on- and off-road handling, but its steering is lifeless and numb. As for going off-road, the GX 460 has a low-range transfer case and a lockable center differential, and the suspension system (KDSS) automatically generates impressive wheel articulation. But ground clearance isn't great, and the overhangs are low. It will be a good choice for second owners willing to add expedition bumpers and a lift kit.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GX 460? The Lexus GX 460 is supremely quiet, and the ride is generally smooth without being floaty or buoyant. But ripples and patches in the asphalt often create a mild jostling motion that your passengers might find uncomfortable. Also make sure you test out the seats before you sign on the dotted line. Everyone is different, but our entire staff disliked the seats due to the plank-like seat bottoms in all seating positions.

　　The climate control system's layout is really dated, but to its credit, it works exceptionally well. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the second-row seats are heated. All three rows have air vents, and those in the second row have their own climate controls.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Lexus GX has a dated-looking interior layout, but it functions well. There's generally abundant space, and a good driving position is easy to find. The high seating position gives a commanding view of the road, but it makes the step up a bit higher than in newer SUVs.

　　The available parking assist makes maneuvering this vehicle in tight parking areas a breeze, as do the vehicle's excellent sight lines. The exterior mirrors are appropriately sized and welcome in both on- and off-road situations.

　　

Technology

6.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The GX's infotainment is a mix of capable and infuriating. While the sound system is strong, the audio screen won't stay put and constantly defaults to a summary screen. The GX also feels like a time capsule, with clunky voice controls, old navigation graphics, and no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support. That's difficult to accept considering the GX's price.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The second and third rows of seats may fold flat into the floor, but cargo capacity isn't class-leading. The load deck of this traditional body-on-frame SUV is somewhat high, so anyone of smaller stature will struggle to load heavier objects. The swing-out rear door blocks curbside access. Maximum towing capability is listed at 6,500 pounds, but the tow hitch and wiring are dealer-installed accessories and not factory-integrated.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? In this day and age, even larger SUVs can be somewhat fuel-efficient. The GX's rating of 16 mpg combined (15 city/19 highway) is not good, and our GX 460 test vehicle hovered around those figures, which makes it pretty terrible.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the GX 460 a good value? The GX 460 oozes quality in terms of materials and workmanship. But the interior looks the better part of a decade old. While the simplicity and layout might appeal to some buyers, most everyone else will likely be put off by the lack of modernity.

　　

Wildcard

6.0/10

　　It's about as fun to drive as a boxy truck-based SUV can be, which isn't saying much. It's also far more sophisticated and quiet than you'd expect. But it feels a bit straight-laced, stodgy and as old as the hills. Its time has passed.

　　

Which GX 460 does zzdcar recommend?

It may be the most expensive, but we think the top-tier GX 460 Luxury is the way to go. Its adaptive suspension helps improve the ride, and the available off-road package makes it capable off the beaten path.

　　

2021 Lexus GX 460 models

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is a three-row luxury SUV that's available in three trim levels: base, Premium and Luxury. Each one is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine (301 horsepower, 329 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.

　　Base

　　The base GX comes reasonably well equipped. Standard features include:

　　Seating for up to seven passengers LED headlights Lexus' Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved off-road performance Keyless entry and ignition Simulated leather upholstery 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Four USB ports (two up front, two in the rear) Driver aids Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure alert (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Premium

　　The midtier Premium trim includes all of the base model features and adds:

　　Lexus' Enform communications system Integrated navigation system Amazon Alexa integration Three-zone automatic climate control Heated and ventilated front seats Heated outboard second-row seats Parking sensors LED foglights Automatic windshield wipersOptions on the Premium trim include:

　　Second-row captain's seats 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system Power-folding third rowLuxury

　　The top-grade Luxury trim builds off the Premium trim, adding:

　　Self-leveling adaptive air suspension Heated wood-trimmed steering wheel Upgraded leather upholstery Standard power-folding third rowOptions include:

　　Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the GX 460 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Off-Road package Includes surround-view camera Crawl control for improved off-road driving Adjustable off-road drive modes Fuel tank protection Transmission oil cooler

　　

2021 GX 460 Highlights

Trim: BaseLuxuryBase

　　

Base MSRP	$53,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$281/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	four wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles