2023 Lexus GX 460 test drive review

Like an old, friendly dog, the 2023 Lexus GX 460 soldiers on with a charming approach that we love to spend time with. Everything it is flies in the face of modern SUVs. Its body-on-frame construction, tried and true as it is, calls to memory SUVs of decades gone by. The V8 powertrain is one of the last of its kind, with the competition favoring smaller, turbocharged engines. Third-row seating is present, but cramped, making the GX more of a five-seater than a wannabe seven-seater family hauler. 

What’s the result of this decidedly old-school approach? It’s amazing. We loved our time in the GX, precisely for all the reasons the market has shifted away from it. The charm here is undeniable, with every drive feeling like time spent with an old friend. See Lexus GX models for sale

Price and value 

The Lexus GX 460 is essentially a Toyota 4Runner in a suit, and its price tag reflects those upgrades. The MSRP range for the 2023 Lexus GX 460 model is $58,525-$69,180. It is available in four trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes seven passenger seating, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen and Apple CarPlay integration. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below.

• Base: $58,525 See listings

18-inch wheels 

Automatic LED headlights

Illuminated running boards

• Premium: $59,860 See listings

Tri-zone automatic climate control 

LED fog lights

Heated and ventilated front seats

• Black Line Special Edition: $62,460 (our tester) See listings

Gloss black finish 18-inch wheels 

Boulder gray Nuluxe

Panoramic view monitor

• Luxury: $69,180 See listings

Adaptive variable suspension

Semi-aniline leather 

Power reclining and folding third row

To some, the Lexus will appear outdated and overpriced. To others, the reliability reputation, V8 and other proven features will be worth the price. We especially liked the features of our Black Line Special Edition, as it gussies up the Premium trim with an around-view camera and distinctive visual features.

The Lexus warranty is excellent. They offer a limited warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty that covers six years or 70,000 miles and complimentary maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Performance 

The GX’s performance is all in the eye of the beholder. Its outdated motor and transmission assert themselves well on- and off-road, but there will be some who still demand more power and efficiency. The GX truly builds on the 4Runner’s reliability and predictability, making it a better daily driver than its step-sibling.

Engine 

The Lexus GX offers one engine: a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. It’s not the most powerful V8, nor is it the most exciting, but its buttery smooth power delivery and decent fuel economy won us over. The engine feels strong, and reliable and has just enough oomph to leave drivers satisfied in every driving circumstance.

Fuel efficiency 

Hear us out. Yes it’s a V8, but as V8s go, this one is pretty good in terms of fuel economy. The V8 is rated at 15 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg combined. In our week of testing the GX, we averaged 19 mpg in our combined driving and achieved as high as 23 mpg on longer freeway commutes. Find a GX for sale

Drivetrain 

Another upgrade over other SUVs is the rig’s move to a 6-speed transmission. It pairs well with the V8 and shifts just as smoothly as you’d expect a Lexus product to shift. The GX only comes in full-time four-wheel drive, which definitely added a feeling of security on slippery surfaces.

The GX also comes with a myriad of on- and off-road features such as a limited-slip differential, low range, a locking center differential, downhill assist, hill start assist, vehicle stability control and, best of all, Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

Acceleration and handling 

Accelerating in the GX is purposeful, if uneventful. The smooth V8 moves swiftly enough, getting you up to speed in a totally appropriate time. Handling is better than expected. Sure, it’s a bit roly-poly around corners, but it was pleasant to drive around town and felt planted on the freeway.

Braking 

Braking in the GX was also a pleasant surprise. While some other Toyota products sometimes feel over-boosted, the GX’s brake pedal felt smooth and more than capable. Automated emergency braking is standard.

Interior comfort and convenience 

The interior is a bit of a mixed bag. Looking around, it’s no secret there are a lot of parts shared with the 4Runner. That said, the GX does feel like an appropriate upgrade for the money. It’s not the most luxurious interior we’ve been in at this price point, but it is good enough to make the buyer feel it was worth their dollars to upgrade to the Lexus nameplate. The wood and metal trim looks and feels nice and decently luxurious, and the overall appearance is decidedly refined.

Seats 

We loved the seats in the 4Runner and that love has carried over here, with the added bonus of ventilated functionality in the front. The perforated NuLuxe seat material is soft and an excellent imitation of real leather. The rear seat is comfortable and spacious for two adults or two or three children. The third row, however, is cramped and pretty much useless. Only very small children will find it manageable for short distances. 

Cargo space and cabin storage 

The GX has just about all the cubbies, compartments and cargo storage you could want. The rear cargo area is accommodating if you have the third row folded flat. Otherwise, it’s pretty short on space. 

Infotainment system 

Lexus has done an admirable job at updating its infotainment systems, and that includes the GX. The 10.3-inch touchscreen is easy to use and features wireless Apple CarPlay. The nine-speaker stereo sounded appropriately crisp and clear for the price point. It also includes a CD player, a feature that the GX buying demographic seems to still want. 

Exterior appearance and functionality 

By now, you either love or hate the Lexus spindle-grille design, and it is on full display in the GX. The front end looks luxurious, in a pinching a Gucci-attired newborn’s cheeks kind of way. It’s an aging design, such as the muscular side panels over the wheels, but it still looks iconic and modern enough for 2023. In the pantheon of crossovers, it’s refreshing to see an SUV that legitimately looks ready for adventure, all while wearing a nice, if dated, suit.

Our tester was finished in Nori Green Pearl paint, a color exclusive to the Black Line Special Edition trim. Other paint colors for the GX include Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, Black Onyx, Nightfall Mica, Caviar and Eminent White Pearl. Browse GX listings

Towing capacity 

Getting the GX’s V8 means more towing capacity than some of the competition. The GX can tow up to 6,500 pounds — plenty for hauling around a small trailer, side-by-side or other toys. 

Wheels 

Our Black Line Special Edition came with 18-inch split 6-spoke alloy wheels in a gloss black finish. The wheels looked awesome paired with the Nori Green Pearl paint. The GX came with 265/60R-18 Michelin Latitude Tour HP all-season tires and they, combined with the full-time four-wheel drive system, provided ample grip on wet surfaces. The Lexus GX was quiet on the freeway and around town — a Lexus trademark.

Lights and turn signals

LED lights are always appreciated and they did a great job illuminating the road ahead. They also look sharp and elevate the luxury image of the SUV.

Cameras and side mirrors 

As part of the Black Line Special Edition package, a panoramic view monitor is included. The cameras look clear and offer nice views all around the vehicle, including a birds-eye view that is especially helpful when parking in tight spaces.

Front and rear windshield 

One of our favorite aspects of the GX is how high you sit. It’s a truly commanding seating position and makes you feel like you’re king of the road. The windows are large and squarely shaped, which only adds to the open, airy and commanding feeling you have when driving.

Safety 

The GX 460 includes all the standard safety features you’d expect from Lexus. Its big, heavy construction also aids in a feeling of security while driving. It has not been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as of this writing, but don’t let that deter you — this bank vault of an SUV will protect you and your loved ones.

Features 

You’ll definitely feel safe in the GX 460. Here’s a sampling of some of the features you can expect.

• Lane departure warning

• Blind spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Automatic high beams

• Front automatic emergency braking

• Adaptive cruise control

Visit Lexus for a full list of safety features.

Awards and ratings 

The Lexus GX 460 has not been the recipient of many recent awards other than the 2021 Consumer Reports “Most Reliable New Vehicle” award where it scored a perfect 100/100 rating. The Lexus also rides on a decades-long reputation of reliability, quality and low maintenance costs, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want to keep their ownership experience simple and drama free.

Final impression 

The 2023 Lexus GX 460 is not the most modern SUV, nor is it the most relevant to the current market. But it is proven, reliable, robust and will likely outlast most other modern SUVs for sale today. It’s wonderful to drive, and we appreciate its classic, no-frills approach. 

If you want something with all the latest engine and drivetrain technology, look elsewhere. But if you want a trusty companion to be with you for the long haul, no matter where you’re going, the Lexus GX 460 is an excellent choice, even 13 years in. As far as trims go, the Premium trim our Black Line Special Edition was based on seems to be the sweet spot in terms of features and the best value for your money.

Find your Lexus GX 460 on KSL Cars today.

FAQs 

Is the GX 460 fun to drive? 

It’s not particularly exciting, but the Lexus GX is supremely pleasant to be in — on- and off-road. We enjoyed driving the GX and found it ready and able to meet the demands of whatever we threw at it.

Is the GX 460 good for families? 

Yes and no. For smaller families that won’t be utilizing the third row, absolutely. There is plenty of space in the second row for at least two car seats. With the third row folded flat, there is also an abundance of cargo space. However, utilizing the third row severely limits the cargo space and should only be considered for small children traveling short distances.

KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.