The 2020 GX 460 is your ultimate old-school SUV. It shares more in common with the 2010 model than any other Lexus model on the market compared to its own predecessor. That’s not always a bad thing, as I loved the older one when I reviewed it. The powertrain and frame underneath has been largely left the same over the past decade which is starting to show its age but still provides adequate enough power to support the 6500 pound towing capacity.
The engine is a 4.6L 32 valve V8 with 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed, full time four-wheel-drive with a High/Low selector and available crawl control if you purchase the Off Road package (which is only available on the Luxury model). The 5200+ pound curb weight paired with this drivetrain results in a 0-60 of 7.8 second and 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway.
Instead, the 2020 modernizes the exterior a bit with a new front and rear fascia design. The center stack and steering wheel inside is also updated with a more driver-centric cockpit. It freshens it up and makes it feel new, even though the drivetrain is still carried over and refined from the past decade. The whole package works in all but just a couple areas.
The infotainment system is still seriously outdated. It works extremely well, but it’s a little slow from time to time, and has no Apple Car Play or Android Auto support. Luckily there’s Bluetooth functionality but new car buyers expect this level of tech in a premium SUV. This is more important now than ever when you consider that even $20,000 compact cars come with it standard.
The gauge cluster is a little dated but the large analog gauges still look great. This is a true body-on-frame SUV that feels so good on the road its hard to describe. Unibody SUVs are better for pure road driving, there’s no denying that. They handle better, get better gas mileage, and weigh less. A body on frame SUV typically gives you much higher payload and towing capacity however, in addition to much better off-road capability. Even though this vehicle squats and nosedives under heavy acceleration or braking, the GX 460 provides an incredibly quiet and comfortable ride. If you live in a secluded area or are exposed to some extreme terrain or weather, this SUV is more up to the task than almost any other one on the market. It’s worth test driving just to experience the difference.
We dive into this vehicle in the YouTube review above, so be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!
The Numbers:
- Base price: $53,000
- Engine: 301 HP, 329 lb-ft 4.6L V8
- MPG: 15 city, 19 highway, 16 combined
- 0-60 in 7.8 seconds
- 41.1 feet turning radius
- 6500 lb towing capacity
- 3 row capable
- Full time 4WD standard
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect Standard on all models
Be the first to comment