Driven: 2023 Lexus GX 460
2023 | lexus | lexus gx | reviews | suvs
With the reveal of the new 2024 Lexus GX 550, we figured there was no better time to take one final ride in the outgoing model, the GX 460. We spent a week living with this 2023 GX 460 Black Line special edition, slathered in beautiful Nori Green Pearl paint. Our conclusion: Lexus’ rugged and capable SUV leaves some big shoes to fill for the next-gen GX.
The GX 460 features a boxy, body-on-frame construction and is built to balance that fine line between everyday luxury and off-road prowess. The Black Line special edition features 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, black window trim, and black roof rails. Inside, it gets seats wrapped in Boulder Grey Nuluxe - a very convincing and easy-to-clean faux leather - and black wood accents.
It’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft. of torque. That power heads to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the V8 offers a satisfying amount of grunt. It doesn’t sip fuel, though, averaging just 16 MPG combined between city and highway driving. The full-time four wheel-drive system does a great job maintaining traction on varied terrain and packs a Torsen limited-slip differential with an electronic center lock. This forces an even 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels. Overall steering feel is light and easy.
The GX's suspension system does a fantastic job soaking up everyday obstacles like speed bumps and potholes, and its relatively soft tuning also makes it great for crawling along rough and rocky trails. Up front is a dual-wishbone suspension, while the rear has a four-link setup. Gas-pressurized shocks, coil springs, and stabilizer bars provide a smooth and comfortable ride. My test vehicle didn't have the adaptive variable air suspension, crawl control, or multi-terrain select features that come standard on the top-of-the-line Luxury grade SUV.
The interior of the GX 460 is where we're most looking forward to updates. It's perfectly functional in its current state but is definitely behind the times. It still has the old, much-derided Lexus trackpad and older multimedia system. It does support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via wired connections, at least. The center stack even has a CD player, a true rarity for this day and age. The front seats are plush, wide, and comfortable, offering ventilation and heat. We also like the dark, trim pieces that look sort of like liquid metal. The Black Line's open-pore black wood is a nice addition, but there's far too little of it.
There's seating for seven in the GX 460, with the second row offering superior legroom and kneeroom, along with independent climate controls, heated seats, and dual USB-C charging ports. That row folds in a 40/20/40 configuration for versatile cargo-carrying options. The flat roofline means the first two rows have excellent headroom too. Through some clever engineering, the third-row seats fold totally flat into the cargo floor. However, the space back there is very tight, and getting behind the second row requires some serious flexibility. Definitely save the back row for little kids.
Cargo space is pretty solid when you only use the second row, with 46.7 cubic feet of space in that setup. Drop the second row for 64.7 cubic feet. On the other hand, if you're using the back row, expect just 11.6 cubic feet, barely enough for grocery bags. The current GX is the last generation to feature a swing-out rear door. The new model will have a power liftgate. While we'll miss this nod to classic SUV design, it's not practical for everyday use inside a garage or with another vehicle parked behind it. And Lexus plans on retaining the pop-open glass window, which comes in handy while hauling long objects.
We've driven the GX 460 several times during its current generation, and it remains one of our favorite Lexus models thanks to its deft balance of luxury and capability. Significant changes are coming for the 2024 model year, so if you can wait for that model to come out, it'll be worth it. In the meantime, the 2023 GX 460 is still a solid and reliable vehicle with a comfortable cabin, ample V8 engine, and off-road prowess for weekend adventurers. Pricing for the 2023 Lexus GX 460 starts at $59,275. The well-equipped Black Line model we drove came to $64,550, including delivery, processing, and handling fees.
