by Anthony Fongaro - Photos via Lexus- 12/29/2021
Do you remember 2009? Back then, Boom Boom Pow by The Black-Eyed Peas, Modern Family first aired, and Facebook launched FarmVille. 2009 was most certainly a different time in our lives. Instead of what is going on in 2021, they only had Swine Flu to worry about. It was a simpler time. At the same time, Lexus was introducing the world their second-generation GX460, or the Land Cruiser Prado to those across the pond. It looked like the GX460 it replaced and looked like a decent SUV. Back in 2009. Unfortunately for the GX460, times have changed. In 2009, big, V8-powered SUVs roamed around the suburbs. That hasn’t changed today, but neither has the GX460. Yes, there have been updates since then and one of the best is a new touchscreen infotainment system, but I’ll get to that later. For now, let’s take a look into the GX460 and see if it’s a cult classic or just another dinosaur that should be put out to pasture. We must take a look at the exterior, and you’ll see something quite interesting.
It literally hasn’t changed. The GX460 I had was the Black Line Special Edition which had a large black grille, 18-inch wheels, and exterior black trim. At the front, there’s the usual giant Lexus grille. The grille looks good on Lexus’ larger SUVs, and the GX460 does look good with it. There are some two-side triangle lights that look sleek and help the front-end. Moving to the side, you see an old SUV. It’s a large SUV but this Black Line Special Edition needed at least 20-inch wheels. The rear has what has to be the worst tailgate in the business. It opens to the side which is a terrible idea. Thankfully, you can open the top glass by itself.
Keeping with the tradition of keeping the GX looking like it’s from 2009 is the interior. The steering wheel controls are simple to use with the buttons for media and the trip-computer screen. There is adaptive cruise control, but there is the knob for it rather than buttons, and isn’t that big of a deal. Looking ahead are analog dials with a small screen for various information and a speedometer. The biggest change for the GX460 is the 10.3-inch display. I’m glad that Lexus is finally utilizing touchscreens, but there is still the infamous Lexus touchpad. By not updating the GX460, the climate controls are actual knobs and buttons.
Just so you know, under all of that is a CD player. Hello, 2009! Since this is the Black Line Special Edition, there was open-pore black trim and black faux leather with gray inserts. They were heated and cooled, along with the steering wheel. It shouldn’t have been surprising to me; the build quality is much lower than Lexus’ current standards. There’s a lot of hard plastic and a lot of wobbles in the center console. Funny enough, this is actually a seven-seater, but this car had a large cover over it. Odd. Second-row seats are also heated, and the third row is for children or people you don’t like.
Alright, time for a drive! Contrary to most SUVs, the GX460 comes with a big-ol V8. It may be a 4.6-liter V8, but it only makes 301-horsepower and 329 lb-ft. Combined with a six-speed automatic and AWD, the GX460 gets from 0-60 MPH in 7.2-seconds. If this was 10-12 years ago, that wouldn’t be bad. Nowadays, a Genesis GV80 with the entry-level 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four produces almost the same stats but is a full second quicker. The Genesis is also more comfortable, and that’s the end of me talking about the GV80. Lexus’ are known to be comfortable and have supple suspension, but the GX460 is different. Since it’s basically a truck with a fancy suit, it crashes around on bumps and gives you little confidence when you take corners.
When driving in winter, the heated seats and steering wheel were usually on, so 18 MPG seems about right for the V8. When we get to pricing, the GX460 starts at $55,000 and increases to $62,000 for the Black Line Special Edition. For some reason, I understand why Lexus never redesigned the GX460. It’s a familiar-looking SUV with familiar controls and a Lexus V8. The GX460 does have modern tech, but something that made me laugh was the reversing camera. The image on the infotainment is so small, my iPhone 12 Pro Max was larger than the display.
Here's the biggest question: can I recommend the GX460? As a new SUV? No. It’s just such an old-feeling and looking SUV. It’s slower than most in its class and has a dated interior. If you do want a GX460, I’d get a used one for around $40,000. The tech may be a little different, but you’re getting the exact same SUV. Otherwise, I’d look at Volvo, Genesis, and mostly any other automaker that has a large SUV. If you want to stick with Lexus, just wait for the new, more expensive, but better LX600. I’m sure the GX won’t last long in this modern age and hopefully can come back as a larger SUV from Lexus. For now, look elsewhere.
The numbers
Engine | 4.6-liter V8 | Power: 301-horsepower Torque: 329 lb-ft |
0-60 MPH | 7.2 seconds | Slowest in its class and you can feel it. |
Fuel Economy | 18 MPG | What I would expect from a 4.60liter V8 |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
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Price | $62,000 | Slightly on the cheaper side of the GX’s competition. |
Drivetrain | AWD |
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Verdict as a Number | 5.3/10 | Way too old, too thirsty, and too slow. Avoid. |
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