2022 Lexus GX

The Lexus GX 460 is a three-row SUV with a rugged body-on-frame design. Even though it hasn’t seen many visual changes for the last decade, its appearance remains bold. For 2022 it gets a new instrument panel, with a big 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.

The GX is akin to the Toyota 4Runner, only with a big V-8 engine. It has standard 4-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case. Its smooth 4.6-liter V-8 works with a 6-speed automatic transmission, making 301 horsepower.

Most models ride comfortably on a soft suspension that also brings soft handling, even with solid steering heft. The top model, the Luxury, has a hydraulic anti-roll bar system that inhibits body lean, and adds off-road capability with an air suspension with adjustable ground clearance; it also enhances the quality of the ride. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.

The cabin is spacious, although it’s more narrow thanks to its older design. The third row is just for kids.

The EPA rates the GX at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, 16 combined, and it requires premium fuel. It hasn’t been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors.

Model Lineup

Made in Japan, the Lexus GX 460 has a base price of $56,500 but most buyers end up with Premium, Premium Plus, or Luxury trim levels.

The base version has five seats, the big touchscreen and CarPlay, but there’s no Android Auto. It also has power heated front seats, a sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

For $57,700 the Premium adds cooling to the front seats, another climate control zone, and more available options. The Premium Plus adds a power-folding third row, and optional captain’s chairs to replace the second-row bench.

For $66,000 the GX 460 Luxury adds leather upholstery, as well as the air suspension with adaptive dampers and height adjustment, and the anti-roll bar.

An off-road package for $1,570 brings traction control modes, crawl control, and skid plates.

The warranty is good, at 4 years or 50,000 miles, including the first two visits for maintenance.

Exterior

The GX 460 looks like a tall, boxy bank vault. The massive Lexus spindle grille might seem out of place to some, but it’s no less boisterous or adventurous than the rest of the GX’s lines. There’s a charming old-school appeal to this kind of shape, and it’s been preserved well by Lexus designers.

Interior

The freshening of the cabin with a new instrument panel is a welcome change. The 10.3-inch touchscreen is mounted up high, appropriate for the tall vehicle. A new layout for controls is more convenient, although the switches on the console, especially on the Luxury, take some time to memorize.

Both the front and rear rows of seats are supportive, even plush. But the third row is difficult to reach and won’t yield much space for even small passengers. It also blocks the driver’s rearward view.

The 65 cubic feet of cargo space is a good number, but the GX has a swing-out tailgate that opens toward the curb rather than away from it. It’s heavy, and the load floor is high, so the GX isn’t as flexible for daily duties as, say, the Lexus RX.

Driving Impressions

The GX 460 can be an amazing vehicle to drive, when judged purely on its off-road merits. With standard four-wheel drive, a 2-speed transfer case, traction control modes and crawl control, it’s a beast when the road ends and the trail begins—even more so when it’s outfitted with the Luxury model’s optional Off-Road package and its advanced suspension.

On the road, the GX is less poised. Its 4.6-liter V-8 is smooth and solid, although its 301 horsepower is unremarkable today, as is its 6-speed automatic. It can tow 6,500 pounds.

The GX has a softly tuned ride, but requires the attention of an old-school SUV in corners. It leans into corners, and there’s little steering feel. Luxury versions get the anti-roll system and air suspension, which work much better to negate that lean while preserving the GX’s road-smothering ride. The Luxury’s suspension also can raise or lower the ride height, which helps both offroad and on the freeway.

Final Word

The 2022 Lexus GX finally has the interior of a modern luxury SUV. In high-end models, it’s outfitted to drive on every kind of road surface, too. It’s best for adventure-seekers who can spend to get the most exotic off-road hardware Lexus offers.

—by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection